Poor housing is a major driver of health inequalities. In Leeds, the Selective Licensing scheme has been used as a targeted intervention to improve conditions in the private rented sector, where poor-quality, insecure, and unaffordable housing is most concentrated.

This report examines the implementation and impact of Selective Licensing in two areas in Leeds: Beeston and Harehills. Over five years, the scheme led to significant improvements in housing quality, with thousands of hazards identified and remedied, more than 2,900 legal notices issued to landlords, and over 6,000 residents now living in safer, warmer homes.

The scheme also supported tenants directly, connecting them with services such as employment support, financial advice, and healthcare. Cross-sector collaboration, between housing, health, police, and community organisations, helped tackle the social determinants of health.

Selective Licensing has proven to be a practical and effective tool in tackling the social determinants of health, and Leeds is now considering how to expand and enhance its use to create fairer, healthier communities. Read the full report to learn more.