A petition championed by East Marsh ward Liberal Democrat Councillors, calling for urgent housing policy reforms at North East Lincolnshire Council, has sparked immediate action to address rogue landlords and unsuitable Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the East Marsh ward.
Presented at full council on Thursday 18th July, the petition garnered support from hundreds of residents. It called for the immediate implementation of Selective Licensing and an ‘Article 4 Direction’ regulation on Wellington Street.
Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe, who presented the petition and moved the motion, emphasised the critical need for this intervention due to the many unmanaged and neglected rental accommodations in the East Marsh, which have led to distressing and unsafe living conditions for many residents.
While acknowledging the contributions of responsible landlords, the motion highlighted the necessity for higher accountability standards for landlords who neglect their duties.
Selective Licensing would require all landlords to obtain a license to rent out their properties, ensuring they meet specific conditions to properly maintain and secure their properties.
An article 4 direction would require developers to seek planning permission before converting family homes into HMOs.
These regulations aim to reduce the likelihood of fly-tipping, illegal activities, anti social behaviour, overcrowding and unsafe living conditions.
In her speech, Councillor Aisthorpe said, “We are not here to vilify landlords, but to address those who fail their responsibilities.
“Notably, several responsible landlords and homeowners in the East Marsh have signed our petition, recognising the broader community's issues with rogue landlords.
“With these policy changes, we seek to create a community where everyone can feel secure, safe and proud of their homes and street environment”.
The Liberal Democrat motion received unanimous support from all parties, leading to the petition to be referred to a Cabinet working group. This group will review the proposed policies, conduct consultations and develop a comprehensive business plan to be presented to central government. If the legal evaluations are favourable, these measures will move toward implementing the new housing policies.
The Cabinet working group, consisting of cross-party members including Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe from the Liberal Democrats, a Labour and Independent representative, and two Conservative cabinet members is scheduled to hold it’s first meeting on 12th August.
Councillor Aisthorpe expressed her optimism about the progress, stating, “The unanimous agreement by all parties on our motion, along with support from hundreds of residents, sends a clear message: we will not tolerate neglect of our communities, and we are committed to building a better future for all residents in the East Marsh.
“Having a specific working group dedicated to these policy changes is a crucial step towards improving living conditions in the East Marsh. It ensures that the proposal will be looked into seriously and addressed promptly, rather than being deferred to a later date.
“Additionally, feedback from residents during our campaign has shown that several other areas in the borough are facing similar issues with rogue landlords and unsuitable HMOs, which, in my view, also need to be addressed.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Loyd Emmerson, who seconded the motion, said "Selective licensing and an Article 4 Directions is not about punishing landlords and developers, but about raising the bar for housing and street quality. The legislation aims to ensure that all properties meet good standards of safety, security, and maintenance. By implementing these changes, we protect tenants, support responsible landlords, and enhance the overall quality of life in our community. It's a step towards creating a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant area for everyone”.
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