Court dismisses challenge to selective licensing scheme after oral renewal hearing

The application for judicial review claim was dismissed in the High Court after an oral renewal hearing, with the judge ruling that the council’s scheme was lawful.

The landlord group had sought an oral hearing to challenge the High Court’s previous written decision to dismiss the claim in March.

In a statement on the ruling Thurrock Council said: “We know most landlords will meet this standard, and the council will continue to work with landlords to fully implement the scheme following months of uncertainty caused by the claim.”

Local Government Lawyer has asked for comment from a partner at a local letting agent who was helping co-ordinate the judicial review claim with other landlords.

Total licensing fees for landlords range from £1034.90 to £1767.40, depending on whether landlords have been operating a licensable property for 12 weeks without registering.

Harry Rodd