A new two-month pilot scheme to improve safety standards and waste management in privately rented properties in part of Liverpool gets under way next week by the Picton project.
From Monday 17 February, the council’s Landlord Licensing and pest control teams will be working with Mersey Fire and Rescue Service and Picton Children’s Centre to offer advice and support to local residents to tackle a variety of issues.
Picton has been chosen because council data shows 65 per cent of privately rented houses did not comply with Landlord Licensing standards on their first inspection, and almost one in five had the most serious type of hazard such as problems with electrics, a lack of smoke alarms or serious damp.
Pest control officers will be working with landlords and residents to give them support on the best way to deal with rodents and carrying out baiting where necessary.
Staff from Liverpool Street Scene Limited (LSSL) will be offering advice and guidance on the best way for people to present their waste, as many of the houses are still on black sack collections.
And Mersey Fire and Rescue Service will be installing smoke alarms in properties that do not currently have them.
Picton Children’s Centre has been chosen to host the scheme as it is a well-used and welcoming hub at the heart of the community, accessed by many local residents.
Funding for the pilot has come from the Government, and if successful it will be rolled out in other areas of the city.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet member for communities and partnerships and the manager of Picton Children’s Centre, said: “Most of the local community access services here at the children’s centre so we are really well placed to be at the heart of this project.
“Some families simply don’t know where to turn to deal with issues in their home, or are worried about being evicted by their landlord if they complain, so we can act as a broker to introduce them to council staff and other partners who can help them.”
