Croydon Council is rushing to introduce selective licensing across the entirety of Croydon before central Government has the ability to prevent it after April 1.

I am very concerned this will lead to increased homelessness and rising rents, as was the case in Newham.

I do not understand why the Labour council condones these outcomes.

This policy does not target problem landlords or do anything to improve the anti-social behaviour situation. It simply creates administrative overhead and distracts councils from going after problem landlords.

The council has not consulted with any banks, even though mortgage funding has been withheld in areas where licensing has been introduced.

The vast majority of respondents to the consultation cannot see any benefit, yet the council ploughs on.

It should reconsider before tenants and businesses suffer alike.

PAUL NORRIS
by email