Another Reform-led council has pledged to clamp down on the uncontrolled spread of HMOs.

Newcastle-under-Lyme is considering introducing an Article 4 direction to regulate the creation of smaller HMOs and believes that when badly managed HMOs are allowed to spread unchecked, it results in anti-social behaviour, pressure on local services, and streets losing “family character”.

The party took control in the May elections and Reform councillor and leader Jonathan Gullis (pictured above) says for too long, laws made in Westminster have allowed family homes to be turned into small HMOs without planning permission, without proper local scrutiny, and without residents having a meaningful say.

Empty

“Whilst the government has slowly begun to empty some asylum hotels, the reality is that too often the problem is simply being moved into communities through social housing, HMOs and Home Office contractor accommodation, with little or no community consent or consultation,” says Gullis. “I will not allow Newcastle-under-Lyme to be treated as a dumping ground.

“A borough-wide Article 4 direction is a legal power we can use to take back control.”

Reform councillors in other areas have voiced opposition to private landlords leasing to councils for temporary accommodation while Reform-led councils such as Durham, have introduced an Article 4 direction across the whole borough, making it harder for landlords to convert houses.

Meanwhile, Labour-run Gravesham reports that at the end of March, there were 107 licensed HMOs in the borough, with a further 14 licence applications being considered.

Suspected

The authority receives on average five reports of suspected unlicensed HMOs a month, and at the end of March was investigating 18 such properties.

Shane Mochrie-Cox, (pictured right) member for planning and business development, says it’s been working behind the scenes towards the adoption of an Article 4 direction for months and will now build the evidence base needed to support this.

“Undertaking Article 4 directions is not a quick process but once in place such a direction means we will be able to control the location and concentration of HMOs to protect the character and amenities of local neighbourhoods, environmental quality, and public health,” he explains. “It will be another important tool in our armoury to ensure there are decent homes for everyone in the borough.”

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