Essex council resumes rollout of licensing scheme after High Court refusal, but landlords say they will fight on.
23rd Feb 20260 4,199 1 minute read Simon Cairnes
Thurrock Council has resumed the implementation of its selective licensing scheme after a High Court judge refused permission for a landlord-led judicial review.
The scheme, which requires landlords to obtain a five-year licence costing £1,034, was halted in January after an injunction paused its progress. The council was expected to stop taking enforcement action during that period, although some landlords claimed it continued regardless — a suggestion the authority denied.
At a cabinet meeting this week, Council Leader Cllr Worrall (pictured) said the council’s position had been upheld, and the scheme was now back in force. She told members: “We are pleased to announce that the High Court judge has decided to refuse permission for the judicial review of the council’s selective licensing policy to proceed.”
Confident that the High Court would agree with the council’s legal position.”
She added: “The judge also decided that the council can recommence its implementation of the scheme,” saying officers would contact landlords with new deadlines. Worrall said the council had been “confident that the High Court would agree with the council’s legal position” and 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.”
ill-thought-outThe local landlord group claimed the scheme was ill-thought-out and punitive, arguing it failed to reflect local conditions and would increase costs that could be passed on to tenants.
Akisia Divine, coordinating the ilandlords’ case, told Thurrock Nub News that the challenge is not over, arguing that permission was refused “on the papers only” and that an oral renewal application has now been lodged.
A council spokesperson said the refusal lifts restrictions on implementation, though claimants retain the right to seek reconsideration.
Tagsselective licensing 23rd Feb 20260 4,199 1 minute read Simon Cairnes Share Facebook X LinkedIn Share via Email
