Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to return landlord licensing powers to local authorities.

Local housing authorities are able to introduce selective licensing of landlords in targeted areas to tackle specific problems, if the statutory requirements are met.

Since 2015, new or renewed schemes which cover more than 20% of a local authority’s private rented stock or geographical area require approval from the Secretary of State.

We will keep this 20% threshold under review in light of our proposals for devolution and supporting improving rented sector standards.