Liberal Democrats demand urgent action to tackle illegal Houses in Multiple Occupation

12.13.28pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 30th Nov 2007

The increasing number of people living illegally in overdeveloped homes is a result of the lack of action by Haringey Council say Lib Dems. Cllr Wayne Hoban has expressed his concern that the Labour-run Council has not tackled effectively the problem of illegal Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) and has demanded that the Council urgently review its policy.

In response to a request from local residents to tackle suspected illegal HMO in Alexandra ward, a Council Planning Enforcement Officer responded: "there is no planning definition of what a HMO requiring planning permission is." He also stated that "we are working on producing a fixed definition but at the moment we use our best judgement."

However Lib Dems are aware that clear guidance is given to planning enforcement services.

Cllr Wayne Hoban (Alexandra) comments:

"I am staggered that the Labour Council is running a borough which clearly has a major problem with illegal HMO's, that often blight the lives and environment of many local residents, yet does not have a clear policy on this important issue. Leaving such decisions to a planning enforcement officer's best judgement is just not good enough.

Cllr Jonathan Bloch, Lib Dem Planning Spokesperson, adds:

"The provision of good housing should be the Council's goal rather than turning a blind eye to illegal substandard HMOs. These illegal developments are often poorly built, badly maintained and overload services and schools without contributing revenue to the Council. Without providing a robust and clear policy to take action the Council is allowing illegal developers to pocket the profits."

Notes:

·The Housing Act 2004 introduced a new definition of a house in multiple occupation (follow link for more information) http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2004/ukpga_20040034_en_22#pt7-pb9

· Recent figures unearthed by the Lib Dems show that the Planning Enforcement service continues to be overwhelmed. Figures released by the Council on Monday show 1012 enforcement cases are outstanding - missing a target to reduce cases by over 500. (Follow link for written question 20 tabled at the Full council meeting of 26 th November 2007) http://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.asp?ID=472&T=9&J=4