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Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet is poised to consider a set of initiatives aimed at enhancing housing conditions city-wide, addressing the issue of empty homes, and providing residents with greater opportunities to fully own their homes. The upcoming Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 5 May, will discuss whether to launch a consultation on several key proposals. These include extending selective licensing in the private rental market, introducing new strategies to manage long-term vacant properties, and continuing the Council’s freehold sales scheme for long leaseholders.
One of the primary proposals involves starting a city-wide public consultation regarding the future direction of selective licensing beyond 2027. Selective licensing mandates that private landlords in specific areas obtain a licence and comply with certain standards, which has proven effective in improving housing conditions and safeguarding tenants. The consultation will invite feedback from residents, landlords, and agents on various options, including the possibility of maintaining a city-wide scheme or focusing on particular neighbourhoods. The Cabinet will make the final determination once the consultation concludes.
Another key measure under consideration focuses on long-term empty homes, which have proven to be a persistent issue in numerous neighbourhoods. The approach combines enhanced enforcement tools such as enforced sales and compulsory purchase orders with a new grant program designed to support the renovation of vacant properties. Owners will potentially receive financial assistance to refurbish these homes, and where feasible, the properties will be returned to the market as affordable rental housing, providing much-needed accommodation.
Lastly, the Cabinet will be asked to approve the continuation of the freehold sales program, enabling residents who hold long leases on single residential properties to buy their freehold at a fixed price. This initiative has been well-received by homeowners, as it aims to offer greater security of ownership and facilitate easier selling or remortgaging of their properties. Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, highlighted the benefits, noting that the scheme simplifies the process for residents seeking full ownership and ensures that the Council receives appropriate value for its assets. Councillor Hetty Wood, Cabinet Member for Housing, emphasized the positive impact of selective licensing and stressed the importance of addressing empty homes while supporting responsible owners in bringing properties back into use
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