A scheme aimed at tackling rogue landlords and anti-social behaviour in parts of Newcastle has been extended for a further five years.

Newcastle City Council has confirmed that selective licensing will remain in place in Byker Old Town and the Greater High Cross area of Benwell, requiring private landlords to obtain a £1,000 licence and meet specified standards relating to property conditions and tenant management.

The measures, which have operated for the past 15 years, will now continue until September 2031.

Councillors were told the scheme had led to improvements in housing standards, although levels of anti-social behaviour in the areas remain higher than the city average.

The licensing requirements cover 533 privately rented properties in Byker Old Town and a further 325 in Greater High Cross.

Under the scheme, landlords must ensure properties are maintained in a safe condition and take steps to prevent and address anti-social behaviour, with the risk of prosecution for non-compliance.

During consultation on the proposed extension, some landlords expressed concerns about the cost of the licences, with many describing the scheme as an additional financial burden with limited demonstrable benefit, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Meanwhile, tenants who responded to the consultation “indicated uncertainty or reported no noticeable impact” from the scheme, a council report revealed.

The Labour-run council said extending the scheme would support efforts to improve housing management and address community safety concerns in the affected neighbourhoods.

A report to councillors stated that the licensing framework is intended to promote effective management of privately rented homes, support compliant landlords and take enforcement action against those who fail to meet required standards.

Selective licensing arrangements are also in place in other parts of the city, including Cowgate and Lemington.