Thurrock Council has restarted its selective licensing scheme after a High Court judge refused permission for a judicial review brought by a landlord group.
The scheme requires landlords to obtain a five-year licence at a cost of £1,034. Implementation was paused in January following an injunction, but the council confirmed this week that the scheme is now operational again.
Court decision and implementation
At a cabinet meeting, Council Leader Cllr Lynn Worrall told members that the High Court judge had refused permission for the judicial review to proceed. She stated that the judge also decided the council could recommence implementation of the scheme, with officers set to contact landlords with new deadlines.
Worrall described the scheme as one that would “make a real difference to tenants, encourage good landlords and improve the lives of people living close to private rented properties.”
Landlord opposition continues
The local landlord group had challenged the scheme, claiming it was poorly designed and punitive. The group argued the scheme failed to reflect local conditions and would increase costs that could be passed on to tenants.
Akisia Divine, coordinating the landlords’ case, told Thurrock Nub News that the challenge is not over. Divine stated that permission was refused “on the papers only” and that an oral renewal application has been lodged.
Next steps
A council spokesperson confirmed that the refusal lifts restrictions on implementation, though claimants retain the right to seek reconsideration. During the January pause, some landlords claimed the council continued enforcement action, though the authority denied this.
The outcome means landlords in designated areas of Thurrock must now comply with the licensing requirements or face potential enforcement action. The legal challenge may continue if the oral renewal application proceeds.