Issue - meetings

Committee is asked to consider the contents of the report and note progress with ongoing work to deal with HMOs and the planned next steps.

The Committee received an update from the Environmental Health Department on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Following a rise in applications for HMOs within the borough and allegations of unlicenced HMOs, an action plan was being developed to address the control and oversight of HMOs within the borough. A cross-departmental project team was established to review powers, increase resourcing where needed, and coordinate action to deal with unlicensed and unlawful HMOs and address anti-social behaviour issues arising from those properties. Future steps include robust enforcement action against non-compliant landlords, work to clear the backlog of HMO licence applications, the formation of a Landlords Forum, and a proposed supplementary planning document.

Some members of the Committee expressed concern over the amount of information required for enforcement action to take place, but it was noted that not all issues arising from properties fell within the Council’s remit to address. The Committee acknowledged the backlog of work and resourcing challenges. Timelines to address the backlog were suggested, however this was difficult to provide due to the difference in time needed to deal with each case.

The Committee resolved to note progress with ongoing work to deal with HMOs and the planned next steps.