In a bid to address issues related to organized crime and anti-social behavior, two properties in Liverpool have undergone a significant transformation. Over the past couple of years, the Council’s Private Sector Housing team has collaborated closely with Merseyside Police to combat organized crime within rental properties in Liverpool. The Landlord Licensing scheme by the Council mandates that owners of privately rented properties ensure responsible behavior from their tenants and take necessary actions if required.
A crucial step in this initiative was the closure of houses on Goldie Street in Anfield and Geraint Street in Toxteth in August 2022 and April 2024 respectively. These closures were carried out under the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Crime and Policing Act 2014 due to the drug-related issues that were negatively impacting the local community. Utilizing the powers granted under the Council’s Landlord Licensing scheme, the anti-social behavior team facilitated the eviction of problematic tenants, leading to the refurbishment of the properties to a high standard before being leased out to new tenants.
Recent inspections conducted by the Private Sector Housing team at both properties have confirmed that they are in compliance with safety standards, much to the satisfaction of the current tenants. Residents from Geraint Street highlighted the positive change as anti-social behavior no longer plagues their street, describing life there now as “heavenly.” Similarly, a resident from Goldie Street noted the transformation from a troubled environment to a “family-orientated” street, allowing children to freely play outdoors.
Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet member for neighborhoods and community safety, emphasized the importance of creating thriving and secure communities for residents. The successful turnaround of properties in Anfield and Toxteth serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the Landlord Licensing scheme in addressing issues and supporting landlords in managing difficult tenants. The involvement and collaboration of various agencies, as acknowledged by Anfield councillor Billy Marrat, have played a crucial role in reshaping the streets and fostering a safer environment for residents. Chief Inspector Sarah Rotherham from Merseyside Police emphasized the zero-tolerance approach towards properties that become hubs for crime and anti-social behavior, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in maintaining safe communities
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