Liverpool City Council has launched a legal challenge against the government after permission to renew its citywide selective licensing scheme was refused. The council has said that its application for Judicial Review was filed with the High Court on 3 April 2020.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said the council had “a moral obligation” to tens of thousands of residents living within the city’s private rented sector to ensure the scheme continued.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick turned down the application to keep the citywide scheme going until 2025, despite it being backed by Merseyside Police, Mersey Fire and Rescue Service and the majority of residents who responded to a consultation.

The Mayor has instructed the council to pursue legal action after being unhappy with the minister’s “inadequate reply” when asked to clarify the government’s position.

Over the past five years, all property owners, landlords and managing agents in Liverpool have been legally required to licence any property unless a statutory exemption applied – but the scheme ended on 1 April 2020 after the government turned down a renewal application.