Hi,

I want to update you about my efforts to stop the over-concentration of HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in certain streets and Wards in Rugby. The campaign seems to be bearing some fruits...but there is more to do.

Since I was last in touch, and since I was elected in May, I've met the Leader of the Council, Conservative Party Cllr Sebastian Lowe, to hand over this petition, and I've met the Executive Director responsible for policy area to raise Rugby Labour's continuing concerns about the over-concentration of HMOs in the urban Wards. The meetings were constructive but I didn't feel that the Conservative-run Council was being proactive enough, given my understanding that other local authorities have managed to limit the number of HMOs in areas where there is an unduly high density of them.

That's why at last week's Full Council meeting, I tabled several questions asking the Tory Council Leader a) if the Council will include a radius-based policy in the new Local Plan for Rugby (a radius-based system would limit the number of HMOs in a given radius), b) when the Council will finish its review into the data around HMOs and will it publish this, c) whether the Council has contacted other local authorities about how they have successfully managed HMO numbers, and d) whether the Council has ever surveyed residents about their opinions about HMO numbers.

The Leader of the Council's response (and my questions) are attached. The key points are that:

a) The Council will introduce a radius-based policy in the new Local Plan. Subject to the policy's design, this is a good thing and I support this.

b) The Council will make the report available for Councillors and it in anonymised form. Again, this is a positive step and I support this. The data should allow Councillors to see the extent of the concentration of HMOs both large and small as well as other factors.

c) The Council has stated that it has been in touch with other local authorities. Again I welcome this and will continue to urge the Tory-run Council to adopt proven best-practice.

d) The Council has stated that the Benn Ward will be surveyed through a new pilot system. 

In the Council chamber, I welcomed the news that the Council planning to introduce a radius-based policy in the new Local plan, that it is going to publish its review, that it is talking to other local authorities and that it is willing to survey Benn Ward. I asked an additional question which was that I wanted the Council to include New Bilton (the Ward I represent) in the pilot survey. 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Lowe, said that he would be happy to include New Bilton in the pilot survey of residents. He added that he had no personal objection to including HMOs in the new Local Plan but would have to consult with colleagues in the relevant departments.

In all I am glad that the constructive points I have been raising with the Council and the pressure I have been applying through this petition, are having an effect. The Council is moving in the right direction, however, as I said in the Council Chamber, the new Local Plan is likely to take years before it is finalised, reviewed by a government inspector and then implemented. 

I said in the Chamber: "it's clear that something can be done to mitigate this problem where the problem arises. I'm concerned that the new Local Plan may take a long time so I would ask that things can be done before the Local Plan is in place and I ask that you include reference to HMOs in the new Local Plan or any amendments to it."

My speech in the Council meeting is available to watch here.

I intend to continue to urge the Council to take steps as soon as possible. In the meantime, please do get in touch with me at john.slinger@rugby.gov.uk with any concerns or views about this.

Best wishes,

John

Cllr John Slinger
New Bilton Ward, Rugby Borough Council