Plans to extend a landlord licensing scheme across all properties in three Brent wards were rejected by the Government.

Brent Council hoped to renew a selective licensing scheme – which requires all privately rented properties to be licensed – in Willesden Green, Harlesden and Wembley Central.

It also planned to extend the programme to ten new wards in the borough but was turned down by housing minister Robert Jenrick who called for “more evidence” that the scheme would be a success.

The selective licensing scheme, which operates in Dudden Hill, Kensal Green, Kilburn, Mapesbury and Queen’s Park, charges landlords £540, with renewal fees set at £500.

Brent Council said the practice allows it to work in partnership with good landlords and helps tackle those seeking to exploit the system.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform at the council, said: “Naturally we’re disappointed not to have gotten this done at the first attempt and frustrated at this setback in our aims to improve safety and drive up housing standards for the borough’s private tenants.

“If the Government need to see more evidence then that’s exactly what we’ll do. We know that licensing works and that it benefits everyone: tenants, landlords and neighbourhoods.”

The decision was welcomed by the Residential Landlords Association, which suggested such licensing schemes do not specifically target rogue landlords and allow them to “stay under the radar”.

It agreed there is a need to improve the housing sector but suggested simply charging landlords is “not the answer”.