William Eichler 25 May 2023

Housing experts voice ‘concern’ over HMO licensing changes

Housing experts voice ‘concern’ over HMO licensing changes    image
Image: Jozef Sowa / Shutterstock.com.

Organisations focused on housing and refugee rights have voiced ‘extreme concern’ over plans to remove the licensing requirements for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) used as asylum accommodation.

In a letter written on behalf of 141 organisations, Gavin Smart, the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, warned that removing the licensing requirements for HMOs used to house asylum seekers could lead to safety issues, overcrowding and the increased use of substandard buildings.

Part of the Housing Standards (Refugees and Asylum Seekers) Bill, the plans to temporarily relax the licensing requirements are part of the effort to move people seeking refuge in the UK out of hotels.

A Government spokesperson said that the proposed changes ‘will not compromise standards and all properties will be independently inspected to ensure they continue to meet national housing quality requirements covering issues such as overcrowding and fire safety.’

However, Mr Smart warned this would not be sufficient to ensure safety standards are met.

He wrote: ‘We are aware that the Home Office promises to repeat the requirements that normally apply in licensing via its contracts with accommodation suppliers; however, experience with enforcement of conditions in existing contracts indicates that this is very unlikely to be sufficient or comprehensive given the scale of accommodation required.’

He concluded: ‘We therefore urge you to abandon the planned removal of HMO licensing requirements, and instead to redouble efforts to ensure that asylum accommodation is safe, healthy and secure.’

Sign up here to recieve our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Worker (Link Role)

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker (Link Role)Permanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Manager

Wakefield Council
£42,839 to £46,142, Grade 10.
We have fantastic opportunity available for a Residential Children’s Home Assistant Manager. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Council Tax Officers - North Lincolnshire Council

North East Lincolnshire Council
Grade 6 - £16,765 to £18,501 per year
You will be working as part of the Local Taxation and Benefits Shared Service North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Electoral Services Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 - £30,024
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping democracy while thriving in a fast-paced, data-driven environment? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Family Support Worker

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC 19 - £32,061
Are you committed to improving outcomes for our Young People? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner