§ Lord Cochrane of Cultsasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will publish the consultation paper on licensing of houses in multiple occupation.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Viscount Ullswater)We have today placed copies of the Department of Environment's publication Houses in Multiple Occupation—A Consultation Paper on the Case for Licensing in the Library. It has also been circulated to all local authorities in England and to other interested parties. Additional copies can be obtained from the department.
6WAThe period for comments will close on 18 February 1995.
We share the widespread concern about the poor conditions and fire risks in some houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). However, we have an open mind about whether licensing of all HMOs is the most effective way forward, and before contemplating legislation we need to consider the cost implications for both land Lords and tenants and be convinced that licensing is both essential and practical. Alternatives to full scale licensing, including the tightening of existing fire safety regulations for HMOs, are also considered in the consultation paper.
The issue of hotels in resort areas catering mainly for benefit recipients is covered largely as a separate issue in the paper. They are already subject to additional planning controls but it is for consideration whether these powers should be replaced by an HMO licensing system which would also cover these hostels.