LET’S SORT OUT OUR ESTATES
Luke Myer MP backs call for selective licensing to tackle rogue landlords in East Cleveland
16 July 2025
Luke Myer MP has called for stronger local enforcement to deal with poor housing conditions and antisocial behaviour linked to rogue landlords in villages like Brotton and Carlin How.
Luke raised the issue directly in Parliament, calling on Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to introduce selective licensing in areas where private landlords are failing to meet basic standards. The scheme, already used in parts of Middlesbrough and Stockton, would require landlords to register properties, meet safety obligations, and take more responsibility for tenant behaviour.
Luke said, “Residents in parts of East Cleveland are rightly sick of unscrupulous landlords dumping individuals with serious criminal histories in our villages,” Luke told the House of Commons. “Will the Department support my call for the council to introduce selective licensing in the area, and what further support can the Secretary of State offer to help us take back control of our villages?”
Responding on behalf of the Government, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said:
“The Government support selective licensing as a tool to tackle the impact of poor housing management on local communities. The general approval that we granted in December gives councils full powers to introduce schemes, regardless of their size. My hon. Friend’s own authority will have heard loud and clear his call for it to consider doing so.”
Luke welcomed the response but stressed that action now depends on residents providing evidence to help make the case. Luke added:
“I love our estates in Brotton and Carlin How,” he said. “But I think private landlords are letting the area down and need to be held to account. Selective licensing could help us restore order, but we need evidence on the ground to press for change.”
Residents and local councillors have spoken out about longstanding issues with crime, fly-tipping, and intimidation linked to a minority of tenants. In a recent interview, Cllr Barry Hunt described how some long-standing residents felt afraid to stay in their own homes, and how attempts to keep alleys clean had been repeatedly undermined by repeat offending and rubbish dumping.
“It’s just a certain few that are causing the bother and we are getting a bit fed up,” Cllr Hunt said. “If a landlord has someone in a property that is continually abusing the situation, they should be held responsible—they are getting the money every week.”
Luke is now calling on residents to help provide the evidence that the council needs to move forward with a licensing scheme. He’s urging people to report any issues they experience through the following channels:
➡ Report housing issues:
https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/housing/housing-standards/housing-issues-and-standards
➡ Report problem landlords:
https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/housing/housing-standards/tenant-and-landlord-relations
➡ Or email: HousingEHO@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has confirmed it is reviewing the case for selective licensing and has encouraged residents to continue reporting problems so the full picture can be assessed. Luke has welcomed this step, but says real pressure from the community will be vital to make sure change happens.
References:
- Hansard, 8 July 2025 – Topical Questions – Hansard – UK Parliament
- Gazette Live – Call to rein in irresponsible landlords
- MSN News – Selective licensing set to target rogue landlords – but locals divided