§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received requesting changes in planning regulations to restrict or further regulate alleged overcrowding in privately rented accommodation.
§ Mr. YeoUnder part X of the Housing Act 1985 a person who permits a dwelling to be overcrowded commits a criminal offence. The enforcement duty lies with local authorities.
Authorities also have discretionary powers to control overcrowding in houses in multiple occupation by serving notice requiring the number of people accommodated to be reduced.
The control of overcrowding in dwellings is not a matter for the planning system, and I am not aware of any recent representations that it should be.