North East Lincolnshire Council is in the process of entering into a contract with a delivery partner, subject to final approvals, who will deliver the Selective Licensing scheme in part of the East Marsh ward in Grimsby.
The scheme is due to come into force on 8 April 2026. Selective Licensing is designed to enable the council to intervene effectively to help raise housing standards, reduce anti-social behaviour, and deal with non-compliant landlords who let out properties which do not meet current standards.
Details of the delivery partner will be announced shortly. The delivery contract will be funded entirely through licence fees.
An information and support session will be held for managing agents on 4 March 2026 at 12pm at the Freeman Street Seminar Room, The Hub, Freeman Street Market, Grimsby, DN32 7DS.
An information and support session will be held for Landlords on 1 April 2026 at 12pm at the Freeman Street Seminar Room, The Hub, Freeman Street Market, Grimsby, DN32 7DS.
Places are limited in the room and will be on a first come first served basis. An Eventbrite link to book your place will be made available on the Council’s Selective Licensing web page soon:
These events have been designed to provide landlords/managing agents with relevant information about how the scheme will work, with a specific focus on how to submit a valid application.
NELC approved the Selective Licensing scheme on 8 October 2025, following a 10-week public consultation that took place earlier in the year.
During the consultation, 202 responses were received. Key concerns included the potential impact of licence fees on rent levels. In response, the Council has reviewed the fee structure and delivery model to ensure the scheme is run efficiently.
The standard fee for landlords per property for a five-year licence will be £1,000. Accredited landlords will receive a discount of £275 per licence provided they meet the accreditation conditions, which include training courses. Information around associated fees can be found on the ‘Licence fees’ section of the Selective Licensing webpages.
During the public consultation last year, 60.45% of residents supported the scheme’s outcomes, most landlords expressed concerns, particularly around whether alternative approaches had been fully explored. Overall, 60.45% residents were in support of the outcomes of the scheme, whereas the majority of landlords were not.
You can view the Selective Licensing Area Map here: Selective Licensing | NELC.
East Marsh is among the top 1% of most deprived wards in the UK. It has the lowest life expectancy and highest crime rate in the borough. Nearly 25% of residents live in fuel poverty, and the area has high concentrations of private rented housing, poor property conditions, and frequent reports of nuisance noise and fly-tipping.
The scheme is designed to work collaboratively with landlords and tenants to help residents stay in their homes longer and improve the area’s overall quality of life. 62% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with this approach.
Read the full cabinet report and more details of the Selective Licensing scheme here: Selective Licensing | NELC.
The NELC Selective Licensing web pages are being regularly updated so please check regularly to see any new information: Selective Licensing | NELC.
North East Lincolnshire Council provides wraparound support for anyone experiencing or worried about housing issues. There is support for everyone, including landlords and tenants. Please visit our support and advice page here: Housing | NELC
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “The introduction of Selective Licensing in the East Marsh supports the strategic aims of this Council by supporting a Stronger Economy and Stronger Communities.
“We are very pleased to welcome a delivery partner for the scheme and we are now working together to ensure that we can implement Selective Licensing in April to improve living conditions in the East Marsh.”
For any queries please email: [email protected]
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