Just one person has been given responsibility for deciding whether up to 8,000 more private rental properties should be licensed in her borough – and she has apparently already made the decision.

The responsibility for the decision, in Camden, London, has lain with Cllr Patricia Callaghan, the authority’s lead member for housing.

She, and she alone, has had what appears to be the final say about the proposed additional licensing scheme in the borough. It is understood that last week she approved the scheme, ahead of this Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.

The decision to go ahead with the scheme also comes when the Government has announced a broadening of its mandatory licensing scheme of Houses in Multiple Occupation.

Camden had been consulting on bringing in additional licensing of HMOs, with the consultation ending only on May 5.

The Residential Landlords Association made clear its concerns and has written to Camden opposition councilors, asking for the decision be called in.

RLA policy officer John Stewart told Eye: “It is pretty scandalous that just one councillor gets to take the decision.

“The excuse of wanting to take away the uncertainly doesn’t wash.

“There is absolutely no transparency here.”

Stewart said in the letter to opposition councillors: “The RLA has a number of concerns:

“By delegating the decision to one cabinet member only, the decision process lacks transparency.

“Delegation has only brought forward the decision process by a few days. The Cabinet next meets on Wednesday.

“Surely such a small delay would make little difference, and allow the thousands of people affected by this decision an opportunity to better understand the reasons behind the decision?  It would also have allowed those with concerns a chance to address the Cabinet.

“Most importantly, since the consultation was undertaken and decision making powers delegated, the new Conservative government has announced its plans to extend the scope of mandatory licensing.

“Camden Council may now waste a considerable amount of money to progress a scheme that is quickly superseded by a new mandatory licensing regime.

“For these reasons, I would ask that you consider calling in the decision to proceed with additional licensing in Camden, and instead propose a delay until the Government publishes its plans to extend mandatory licensing, when the matter can be considered again.”

Camden’s decision to allow one member to decide on licensing contrasts with a neighbouring authority.

Also last week, Redbridge Council’s neighbourhoods and communities service committee voted to refer the issue to cabinet, due to meet tomorrow night. Its application to the Secretary of State for the scheme will be based on anti-social behaviour, migration and crime.