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5 Jun 2007 : Column 67WH—continued
In the worst cases, management orders allow local authorities to take over the management of HMOs
that are not required to be licensed if their poor management, which includes failing to tackle antisocial behaviour, poses a risk to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants or of persons residing in the neighbourhood. Local authority housing and planning departments should, as the hon. Gentleman has recognised, take a co-ordinated approach when properties require planning permission and are subject to licensing. However, we must recognise that those systems meet different purposes and have different objectives.
More widely, the hon. Gentleman raised issues of sustainability and cohesion related to the development of HMOs that are meeting a demand within their area. The Government are aware that residents and authorities in several local authority areas are concerned about the proliferation of HMOs in certain areas and about the adverse impact that such development can have on the character of those areas and on local amenities. Ministers are happy to listen to representations on this issue and to understand in more detail the issues that affect particular areas, but I do not accept the hon. Gentleman’s premise that the legislation on HMOs does not provide a range of mechanisms by which to deal with the specific problems that he has outlined.
Licensing and other provisions in the Housing Act can be used to regulate the management of such accommodation, and planning can, in some circumstances, control the development of HMOs. The key to successful management of the private rented stock is for local authorities to adopt clear strategies that recognise the need for co-operation between all concerned, including local authorities and universities, if student accommodation is an issue, as well as the local community, private landlords and, of course, residents.
Adjourned accordingly at seven minutes to Two o’clock.
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