Liberal Democrat campaigner for St Clement’s Ward, Graham Jones, backed the call by Dr Steve Goddard, 2010 Parliamentary candidate for Oxford East, and the Lib-Dem Oppposition on Oxford City Council, for an early introduction of compulsory licensing for landlords in the city.

Steve welcomed news that the Government has finally approved the Liberal Democrat scheme to clamp down on dodgy landlords in Oxford.

Steve said: “Everybody knows about the shocking condition that many houses are in. Vulnerable tenants have been exploited and residents have put up with poorly managed houses for too long under Labour. The Liberal Democrats drew up a scheme that would ensure all shared houses needed a license to be let out – we are delighted that this has now finally been approved, after almost two years of delaying whilst Labour considered a watered down voluntary version of the scheme.”

“We were clear this wouldn’t work and kept up the pressure on Labour. We are delighted it has paid off. This is a good day for anyone renting in the private sector in Oxford, but now we have to make sure that Labour tackle the worst landlords quickly and send a clear message that renting out shabby properties and endangering tenants is not acceptable.”