Newcastle City Council has formally designated a new selective licensing scheme for Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross, commencing 1 October 2026 following Cabinet approval and a public notice of designation issued in February 2026. The new scheme renews an expiring designation and landlord drop-in sessions are scheduled for 29 June 2026. Landlords in these areas must apply for a new licence before the scheme commences.
A new scheme covering Byker and High Cross will start 1 October 2026; the details can be found in the Public Notice of Designation dated February 2026, published by Newcastle City Council.
Cabinet agreed to re-designate the Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross areas for a further five years on the grounds of anti-social behaviour. The property licensing Cabinet papers can be found in the democracy section of the council's website.
The current schemes for Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross, introduced in October 2021, will expire on 30 September 2026. Landlords must still apply for a licence for the current period if required. Newcastle City Council is proposing the renewal of selective licensing schemes in these areas for a further five years, starting from 30 September 2026 when the current schemes come to an end.
Newcastle City Council has scheduled selective licensing drop-in sessions on Monday 29 June 2026, 10:00am to 12:00pm. Property licensing schemes play an important role in raising standards within the private rented sector. By helping ensure landlords are accountable and properties are well-managed, these schemes support safer, higher-quality housing for everyone. Landlords who live or own a property within a selective licensing area must understand the standards required. Most privately rented homes in these areas need a licence unless they are exempt, and all licensed properties must meet specific conditions.
Landlords in licensing areas are legally required to apply for a licence. It is a criminal offence not to apply. Failure to apply could lead to a financial penalty of up to ?30,000 or an unlimited fine if prosecuted. Landlords affected by the expiring scheme who do not hold a new licence from 1 October 2026 risk immediate enforcement action. The council's additional licensing scheme, which covers all HMOs across Newcastle, remains unchanged.
Action required
Landlords with properties in Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross should attend the drop-in session on 29 June 2026 or contact propertylicensing@newcastle.gov.uk to understand the new licence conditions. Applications for the new scheme will need to be in place by 1 October 2026.
Effective
2026-10-01
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