The Supreme Court ruling Re: Westminster Licensing
Some of you may already be aware that the Supreme Court has been considering an appeal from Westminster Council on the Hemmings licensing fees case which could have implication for the work you do in the HMO licensing arena.
The Supreme Court has just ruled that enforcement costs CAN be included in licensing fees!
The question of whether Westminster Council had the legal right to charge the full fee on application has not been decided and is referred on to the European Courts.
I have attached the press notes for further reading and the LGA have announced that they will be looking at this further to try and offer us further advice /information.
Useful Documents for Download:
This guidance explains the criteria for making a selective licensing scheme and discusses the types of evidence that local authorities will require to support an application.
· Selective licensing in the private rented sector - A Guide for local authorities
· The Housing Act 2004 - The licensing of HMO's and Selective Licensing
