LABOUR councillors in Southend have hit out at the Conservatives for voting down a measure that could have led to stricter regulation of landlords.

The new licencing proposal presented three options for councillors to consider at the policy and resources scrutiny committee on Thursday, including a licencing scheme that would allow tenants to take action against rogue landlords.

If implemented, the licencing option could see up to 20,000 private landlords pay about £1,000 for a licence to rent out their properties and the council would have the power to revoke licences if a landlord is not acting ethically.

However, Conservative councillors voted against exploring this and instead agreed on an option that involves less strict enforcement and no major policy adjustment. They also failed to provide any feedback on the proposals during the meeting.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, leader of the Southend Labour Group, said: “One never expects the Conservatives to be the loudest champions of renters over the rogue landlords, but I think we were all surprised that not a single Tory had any comment to make in pre-cabinet scrutiny.

“Labour and other opposition councillors all spoke in favour of selective licensing options. No Tory councillor, though, said a word in regards to any of the proposals, simply raising their hands at the appointed moment in favour of the weakest of the offered options.”

In total seven councillors voted for the weaker enforcement option, while four voted against.

Conservative councillor Tony Cox, portfolio holder for adults and housing, said: “Comments, opinions and voting preferences were expressed at Thursday’s policy and resources scrutiny committee meeting.

“These options will also be discussed at the homelessness and housing working party on Monday where members of the Council will discuss the options further.

“I will take into consideration all members views and council will make a decision on the proposals as part of the Housing Strategy which is due to go before Cabinet in September.”

The Compulsory Licencing Scheme has been drawn up to tackle the growing number of rented properties which are below standard within the borough.

The council had previously rejected calls for a licensing scheme in 2012 and as an alternative the entered into a partnership with the South Essex Alliance of Landlords and Residents (SEAL).

This self-regulating scheme effectively allowed landlords to police themselves under an agreed code of conduct.

However, the town now has 23 per cent of housing in the rental sector and much of it in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).

Several of these have fallen below standard and SEAL has faced criticisms for failing to maintain expected standards.

At Thursday’s meeting Independent councillor Martin Terry, who supported stronger enforcement and licencing, said that the council needs to “get a grip of this now”.

He described housing in some areas of the borough as “heartbreaking” and said they are reminicent of a ghetto.