The City of Wolverhampton Council is exploring the introduction of an Additional Licensing Scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and a Selective Licensing Scheme for privately rented properties in designated areas. These schemes are part of the Council’s strategic approach to improving housing standards, tenant safety, and landlord accountability across the city’s growing private rented sector (PRS).
To ensure transparency, inclusivity, and legal compliance, the Council is committed to undertaking a comprehensive public consultation before any licensing scheme is introduced. This consultation must engage a wide range of stakeholders-including landlords, letting agents, tenants, residents, and community organisations-and gather meaningful feedback on the proposed scheme’s scope, impact, and implementation.
The Council is therefore seeking to appoint an experienced external provider to design, manage, and deliver the public consultation process. The appointed organisation will be expected to:
• Develop a robust consultation strategy aligned with statutory requirements.
• Facilitate engagement through a range of accessible channels (e.g. online surveys, public meetings, stakeholder interviews).
• Analyse and report on consultation findings to inform decision-making.
• Ensure that the process is inclusive, impartial, and representative of Wolverhampton’s diverse communities.