Salford City Council has announced plans to begin a consultation on implementing a citywide licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

Cabinet members backed the plans in a meeting on Tuesday, with a report revealing that a ‘huge proportion’ of HMOs did not meet health and safety standards or minimum fire safety standards.

According to Salford Mayor Paul Dennet, many of the properties were affected by issues such as poor maintenance, damp, and inadequate energy efficiency creating ‘cold and unhealthy living environments’.

In a statement on Tuesday, the council confirmed that under the Housing Act 2004, it is permitted to designate the entire city for additional licensing due to evidence of several HMOs being managed inadequately, to the detriment of ‘tenants or the wider community’.

With the consultation planned to commence on Tuesday next week, the local authority has said it will consider views on the rollout of a Section 257 Additional HMO licensing scheme for poorly converted flat buildings.

Members of the public including residents, landlords, businesses, managing agents, and elected members will be able to share their opinions on the matter.

Mayor Paul Dennett said: ‘It is important we drive up our housing standards as much as we can in Salford. Initial research by officers has shown some concerning results.’

Cllr Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, added: ‘It is great news that local people are going to have their say on this and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.

‘It is only fair that people have access to decent and safe accommodation. We do not want this city to be a place where people can be exploited and poor conditions are not targeted.’