§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to bring forward legislation to ensure that homes in multiple occupation meet satisfactory standards, with particular reference to energy efficiency. [80007]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Government are committed to raising standards in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and we intend to introduce legislation to achieve this as soon as a legislative slot is available. Our626W proposed measures will include a requirement for local authorities in England & Wales to licence those HMOs in their areas that pose the greatest risk to the health and safety of their occupiers. Underpinning the licensing regime and applying to all residential properties will be a new risk assessment based approach to housing conditions, which will replace the current prescriptive standards, and enable local authorities to target those HMOs with the worst housing conditions, including energy efficiency standards.