THE introduction of a tough new scheme aimed at tackling poor housing in Hyndburn is working, according to a new report.

Since the council introduced the selective licensing scheme, a national initiative to thwart rogue landlords renting out overcrowded and potentially dangerous homes, action has been taken over 500 times to bring houses in the borough up to scratch.

Anti-social behaviour has also dropped in the two years since the scheme was brought in, the report said.

"One of the main reasons for introducing selective licensing was to support a range of measures to reduce low housing demand," it said.

"Data shows the turnover of households has increased slightly over the two years, by 40 houses more, but was lower in 2014 after rising significantly in 2013.

"Very significantly, the number of empty dwellings has reduced over the two year period by more than 100."

Housing boss Cllr Clare Cleary said: "It's a force for good and it brings properties up to a certain level.

"Our good landlords are leading by example but there's still work to be done.

"We still have people not registered and some resisting, so we will keep on with it.

"We have three new employees dealing with it, who are experienced in different types of housing, so I'm hopeful for the future.

"We have regular meetings with landlords and they have a representative, so all in all, it's a positive thing."

Selective licensing has been the cause of controversy in East Lancashire.

Experts claimed the scheme put people off buying to rent, contributing to a housing price slump.

Under the Housing Act 2004, landlords must apply for a licence to let of a property in a selective licensing area.

The report concluded: "It is important to note that licensing in itself is not a standalone tool and complements other activity in the borough.

"It is a partnership approach and is co-ordinated with procedures for housing need and homelessness, bringing empty properties back into use, and reducing anti-social behaviour alongside housing market renewal and regeneration activity."

The council has pumped millions of pounds into developing derelict and rundown properties in Accrington in recent years, including the Woodnook development, which has seen terraced houses transformed into large energy-efficient homes rented out to working families.