A TASK group looking at the issues surrounding houses of multiple occupancy in the district has been established.
Following an increasing number of comments and issues concerning houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs), Warwick District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed to form a special group to review the effectiveness of current policies and arrangements regarding HMOs.
The group of councillors will be gathering evidence from residents who live in areas with high concentrations of HMOs as well as the tenants themselves.
District council leader, Andrew Mobbs came under fire recently after campaigners claimed the authority was not doing enough to curb Leamington’s ever-growing student population – many of whom live in HMOs.
Back in 2012 Station House was built opposite the railway station providing purpose-built accommodation for some 400 students.
And earlier this year Warwick District Council gave the green light to plans for new accommodation to house 200 students alongside the Grand Union Canal.
Coun Mobbs maintained the council worked with the university and the students on issues including the growth in the number of HMOs and confirmed this had led to the introduction of new policy on changes of use of properties to HMOs.
But it is hoped this latest move, which is set to include a survey of landlords of HMO properties, will determine whether additional measures are needed to improve the licensing and management of these homes.
Group member, Coun Kristie Naimo said: “Our group is looking at all aspects of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It’s important we hear from landlords in order that we can work together to come up with some positive solutions. We urge landlords – and agents – to take part in this research.”
And council housing spokesman, Peter Phillips, added: “We welcome the work of the Task and Finish Group, and are grateful to all those residents, tenants and landlords who contribute and give their views to the group.
“The output of the group will form an important part of the review of HMO policy in Warwick District dovetailing into the national policy review currently being carried out by the Government.”
Visit http://ow.ly/eqhM303VZ5l to take part in the landlord’s survey.
