§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will consider exempting accommodation provided wholly or predominantly for tourists from Houses in Multiple Occupation registration schemes. [64833]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe current statutory definition of a house in multiple occupation may include some accommodation of this type. If so, it would be within the scope of our model registration schemes. Local housing authorities may seek approval for schemes which depart from the models, and we would consider any such request on its merits.
We plan to issue a consultation document on proposals for a HMO licensing scheme early in the New Year. In this, we will also seek views on options for changes to the HMO definition.
A proposal to exempt accommodation provided wholly or predominantly for tourists, in the context either of the existing registration arrangements or of the HMO definition and the proposed licensing scheme, would, however, require careful consideration. Such premises are sometimes let for extended periods outside the holiday season to people with no other home.
§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Houses in Multiple Occupation registration scheme; and if he will make a statement. [64835]
60W
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe have made no formal assessment, since we are committed to replacing housing authorities' discretionary powers to make HMO registration schemes with provisions for a compulsory licensing system. However, in the meantime we are encouraging authorities to adopt registration schemes in order to ease the transition to an eventual licensing regime.