East Marsh area identified for tougher rules on rogue landlords

Rutland Street, Grimsby, in East Marsh - the potential selective licensing area in the ward has not yet been publicised
-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)


A cross-party group of councillors have already identified a part of East Marsh for tougher rules on rogue landlords.

May's local elections saw the Conservatives become a minority administration on North East Lincolnshire Council. As part of the post-election settlement, two cross-party cabinet working groups were created. One on environmental street scene and enforcement, the other on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and selective licensing.

The selective licensing group has now met twice and already identified an East Marsh area to bring in a licensing regime in future. Selective licensing areas require landlords to pay a fee to the local council to be able to rent property there.

Landlords must also maintain their houses to certain standards. The HMO and licensing group has agreed to look to trial selective licensing first in East Marsh. The working group is made up of two Conservative cabinet members, and a member each from Labour, the Independents Group for North East Lincolnshire, and the Liberal Democrats.

"I am honoured to chair this important working group," said Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe, appointed to the voluntary position. "We are fortunate to have many responsible landlords across our borough who care for both their properties and their tenants. Unfortunately, we are also seeing a rise in landlords who lack that same level of respect and responsibility, who I constantly refer to as Rogue landlords.

"Rogue landlords and HMOs have long been an issue that affects some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and it’s crucial that we address these issues head-on. By working together across party lines, I believe we can develop policies and initiatives that will have a significant impact on the lives of many people in our borough."

Read More: Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter

The group agreed unanimously at its first meeting to trial selective licensing in part of East Marsh, based on its high levels of deprivation, lower life expectancy, crime rates, and the percentage of people living in fuel poverty compared to the rest of the borough. Data from a Safer Streets initiative in East Marsh last year, aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in partnership with Humberside Police, was recognised as also supporting the case for the trial.

The goal is to draft a business case for the trial by no later than December. It would then subsequently go out to public consultation.

The working group is also identifying other borough areas that could benefit from similar interventions. Data will then be collected and residents consulted. It is also discussing a 'Terms of Reference' for addressing HMOs in the borough, particularly in areas that may not require selective licensing.

The East Marsh trial follows a petition led by ward councillors and signed by over 400 people that called for selective licensing there. "As a councillor for the East Marsh, I recognise the challenges our community faces and appreciate that my fellow councillors understand these issues as well," said Cllr Aisthorpe.

However, issues of rogue landlords and problematic HMOs are not isolated to East Marsh, she added. "As chair, my goal is to ensure that the working group can develop fair solutions that benefit residents and landlords across North East Lincolnshire, helping to ensure safe and sustainable housing."

Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe, pictured, said the working group aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable housing solutions in the borough
Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe, pictured, said the working group aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable housing solutions in the borough -Credit:Copyright Unknown

"As we move forward, our collective goal is clear: to create a safe and supportive housing environment for all residents in North East Lincolnshire," Councillor Aisthorpe concluded. "This working group is not just about addressing the immediate challenges we face; it’s about laying the groundwork for sustainable housing solutions that will better serve and protect our community for years to come."