CALLS for more powers to control Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) have been made by Rugby’s MP.
Speaking in Parliament about his experiences with HMOs as a former member of Rugby Borough Council (RBC), John Slinger urged the government to empower councils to exercise greater control over the licensing of HMOs – particularly when causing problems or overly concentrated in specific areas.
Speaking after the Parliamentary session, he said: “HMOs are a flawed, market-based solution to a flawed housing market.
“While they can provide suitable accommodation for some, they are not a sustainable answer to the broader housing crisis.
“That’s why I’m calling for more social and affordable homes, and I welcome the Government’s £39billion investment to help achieve this.”
As an RBC councillor representing New Bilton until his election as an MP last year, Mr Slinger successfully campaigned for an Article 4 direction, meaning developers and landlords have to apply for planning permission before converting a home into a small HMO in the Benn, Coton and Boughton, Eastlands, New Bilton, and Newbold and Brownsover wards.
He added: “Many of my constituents – both then and now – have contacted me to express their deep concerns about the over-concentration of HMOs in the urban areas of Rugby.
“They’ve raised issues including litter, antisocial behaviour, parking difficulties, the impact on house prices, and the fundamental change in the nature of the community when family homes for two adults and two children are converted into properties housing four, five, six, seven or more adults.”
