Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 March 2009. It was answered by Iain Wright (Labour) on Friday, 27 March 2009 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Multiple Occupation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities have (a) applied for, (b) been granted and (c) been refused (i) additional and (ii) selective houses in multiple occupation licensing powers.

Answer: One local authority, Peterborough city council, has been granted approval to operate an additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation under the Housing Act 2004. The Department is currently considering applications for additional licensing schemes from Oxford city council, London borough of Hounslow and Breckland district council.The following local authorities have been granted approval to operate selective licensing schemes for privately rented property under the Housing Act 2004:"Salford City Council""Middlesbrough Borough Council""Manchester City Council (Three Schemes)""Gateshead Borough Council""Sedgefield Borough Council""Burnley Borough Council""Bolton Borough Council""Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council (Two Schemes)""Easington District Council""Hartlepool Borough Council"The Department is currently considering further applications for selective licensing schemes from Salford city council and Manchester city council.We invite local authorities to work with CLG officials in the development of their proposals so that the applications when submitted are consistent with published criteria. This has meant that the Secretary of State has not refused any applications.

Secondary information