Information on selective licensing scheme

Dear Anna,

Thank you for your request for information regarding ‘Selective Licensing’ (reference number 07643). Your request was received on the 16/08/2021 and we are dealing with it under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and/or Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable and if that is the case, we will let you know. A fees notice will be issued to you, and you will be required to pay before we will proceed to deal with your request.

If you have any queries about this request, please contact Information Governance on 01254 585852. Alternatively, our email address is [Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council request email]. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Is your request essential?
Our response to Freedom of Information Requests (FOIs), Environmental Information Regulation requests (EIRs) and Subject Access Requests (SARs) may take longer for us to complete at the moment because of COVID-19 implications. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has advised that although they are unable to extend statutory timescales, they will advise people that they may experience understandable delays when making FOIs, EIRs or SARs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While your statutory right of access remains unchanged, our resources may be diverted away from usual compliance or information rights work at this time. Therefore, we would ask that where possible, before submitting any requests for information that you check our website first, as it may be already published and available. Because the national guidance is that people should work from home wherever possible and not come into the office unless absolutely essential, we would request that if you would like to make a request for information, you email [email address] instead of post.

Prioritising essential services
If you cannot find the information, or require copies of your own information under a subject access request, please be aware that under current circumstances and our need to prioritise essential services to ensure the wellbeing of our residents, you may experience a delay in your response.

Following guidance from the ICO, we will keep requestors informed of any delays and will respond as soon as resources allow. We will also be keeping up to date on guidance from the ICO as the situation changes to ensure that we comply with any changes or amendments to information rights practice.
For further information on your information rights at this time please see ico.org.uk.

Kind regards

Informaton Governance
Blackurn with Darwen Council
Email: [Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council request email]
Website: www.blackburn.gov.uk

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Dear Anna

Thank you for your request for information regarding Selective Licensing (reference number 07643).

Unfortunately it is taking a little longer than anticipated to collate a response.

I am therefore writing to request a short extension period of one week.

Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Fatima Makken
Apprentice Information Governance Officer
Email: [email address]
01254 222527

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Dear Anna

Thank you for your request for information regarding ‘Selective Licensing’ (reference number 07643); Please see our response attached/below. If you have any queries regarding your request for information then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

1. The number of landlords and private rented properties currently registered in the selective licensing scheme

There are currently 1067 licensed properties within the Darwen licensing scheme.

2. Any estimate you hold of the number of private rented properties in the selective licensing area that remain unlicensed

We do not hold this information.

3. Whether the scheme is self-funding, or supported by other council or central government revenue; and if the latter, an estimate of how much revenue has been supplied since the inception of the scheme

The scheme is self-funded from the licence fees charged.

4. The number of landlords with properties within the selective licensing area who have been prosecuted since selective licensing was introduced for either a) failing to obtain a license under the selective licensing scheme or b) other offences under Parts 1 and 2 of the Housing Act 2004

a) None
b) None

5. Any information available on how the fees for the scheme were calculated

The fees were calculated on the basis of the costs involved with running the scheme including the administration costs involved with producing licences and additional liaison / enforcement costs involved with the scheme.

6. And finally, any evaluation you have carried out on the impact of the scheme.

The outcomes will be quantified following a review of the scheme when it ends in May 2022. The designation report for proposal of the area provides the basis of why the scheme was introduced and will be used when determining the outcomes. This report can be found at the council's website. https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/housing/sel...

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request for information and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision, you should write to: Information Governance Manager, Information Governance, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, 3rd Floor, Old Town Hall, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7DY or email [Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council request email]
 
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Council. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF. 
 
Please find attached our 'have your say' feedback policy. 

Kind Regards,

Fatima Makken
Information Governance Officer
Email: [email address]
01254 222527

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