Thurrock Council has confirmed that its Selective Licensing Scheme will resume after a High Court Judge refused permission for a Judicial Review to challenge the scheme.
The Judicial Review was put forward to stop the council implementing the Selective Licensing Scheme, which has been designed to improve housing standards in the private rented sector and ensure safer, better-quality housing for residents.
The Court has now declined permission for the Judicial Review to proceed, as the council was not in the wrong, allowing the scheme to continue as planned.
Councillor Lynda Heath, Cabinet member for Public Protection, Constitutional and Civic Affairs, said: “We welcome the Court’s decision, and are pleased that we can continue with implementing the Selective Licensing Scheme. The scheme provides a fair and proportionate framework that supports responsible landlords while raising standards and protecting our residents in the private rented sector.
“I urge all eligible landlords to act fast and apply by the deadline as there is a fine of up to £30k if we find out that landlords have been operating without this licence. We are offering support with applications and want to work with landlords to avoid this.”
Under the scheme, private landlords operating within the designated areas below, are required to obtain a licence to let their properties, excluding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are already covered by the existing mandatory or additional licensing schemes. Due to the interim injunction that was in place, the Council has allowed Landlords an extended application period until Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 5pm. Landlords who are required to apply for a license but do not do so by this date could be subject to a civil penalty fine up to £30k or criminal prosecution for operating without the required licence.
The Thurrock wards that fall under the scheme are: Aveley and Uplands, Belhus, Chadwell St Mary, Chafford and North Stifford, Corringham and Fobbing, East Tilbury, Grays Riverside, Grays Thurrock, Little Thurrock Rector, Ockendon, South Chafford, Stanford East and Corringham Town, Stanford le Hope West, Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park, Tilbury St Chads, and West Thurrock and South Stifford.
Further information about the Selective Licensing Scheme, including application details can be found here: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/houses-in-multiple-occupation/selective-licensing-scheme.
If you are a landlord or letting agent and need further assistance on how to apply for a licence, please contact: selectivelicensing@thurrock.gov.uk.