Wirral Council is preparing to introduce a new selective licensing scheme aimed at improving housing standards across several parts of the borough. The proposal is due to be reviewed and is expected to be approved by councillors in the coming days.
This licensing scheme is not entirely new. It builds upon previous efforts first launched in October 2020 in selected areas of Wirral. The council now intends to continue licensing in two of those original locations.
In addition to the continuation, the council is proposing to reintroduce selective licensing in two further areas that previously had the scheme in place but where it had expired. This shows a clear intention to maintain consistent regulation in parts of the borough that have already seen the benefits of such oversight.
Furthermore, the council aims to expand its licensing reach by including two completely new areas. This marks a significant step in the council’s long-term strategy to ensure that rental properties meet minimum safety and quality standards.
If these plans go ahead, landlords within the designated zones will need to obtain a licence to legally rent out their properties. The standard fee being proposed for the licence is £605 for a five-year period, which is in line with similar schemes introduced elsewhere in the country.
However, there is a strong incentive for landlords to act early. Those who apply within the first three months of the scheme’s launch may be eligible for a reduced fee of just £230. To qualify for the discount, landlords will also need to be accredited by a recognised national landlord body.
In addition, landlords who commit to making energy efficiency improvements to their properties will also help meet the council’s goals for more sustainable housing. The encouragement of energy-efficient upgrades demonstrates the scheme’s dual focus on both safety and environmental responsibility.
This new scheme is the result of a public consultation carried out following an agreement by councillors in December 2024. The consultation process saw a record-breaking number of responses, making it the most engaged public feedback session for selective licensing proposals in Wirral’s history.
According to the results of the consultation, 79.4% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed with the introduction of the selective licensing scheme. This overwhelming support suggests strong community backing for holding landlords to higher standards.
By contrast, only 12% of those who responded either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the scheme. The remaining responses were either neutral or did not express a clear view, further highlighting the public’s general support for the initiative.
Should the scheme be approved at the upcoming meeting, the new licensing requirements will come into force on 1 October 2025. The scheme is planned to run for a full five years, ending in late September 2030.
The council has expressed particular concern about the condition of some privately rented properties in the borough. Officials note that there is a minority of landlords who continue to let homes that fall well below acceptable living standards.
A statement from the council stressed that the scheme is designed to address this issue head-on. By making landlords more accountable, the council hopes to ensure all tenants are provided with safe, well-maintained homes.
The licensing scheme will also allow the council to take enforcement action against those who fail to comply with housing standards. With more scrutiny, there will be fewer opportunities for rogue landlords to avoid consequences.
The decision will be made by Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee during a meeting scheduled for 17 June. If passed, the changes will impact hundreds of rental properties across multiple neighbourhoods in the borough.
Ultimately, this new licensing initiative reflects Wirral Council’s commitment to raising housing standards, protecting tenants, and supporting responsible landlords who invest in their properties and communities.
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