Question
To residents across the country, a standard family home being converted into an HMO for a large number of adults is a material change. It changes the character of an area, and it places pressure on parking and local services. Too many HMOs are being used to house people who come to this country illegally, and we know for a fact that many of these men are dangerous. However, the current rules do not reflect the negative impact an HMO can have, with landlords not needing to apply for planning permission if it is for less than five occupants, and the article 4 direction does not go far enough. What work is the Minister doing to investigate changing the rules so that all HMOs, regardless of size, require planning permission so that local people’s voices can be heard?
Answer
I feel for the shadow Minister in the sense that that question was clearly drafted before the set of answers I have just given. We have acted to strengthen national planning policy in this area. I have made it clear how important it is to have up-to-date local plans in place and to get strong policies. If he has any particular instances of where the existing powers do not go far enough, I am more than happy to hear from him.25% point-scoring
Verdict: RED (18/100)
The question asked whether the Government is looking at removing the occupancy threshold so that all HMOs would need planning permission. The reply does not say whether that change is being examined. It refers to general planning policy and invites the shadow minister to share examples where existing powers fall short. The reply is therefore hedged and does not give the committed answer the question sought, so the questioner would likely need to ask again.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the Government doing to investigate changing the planning rules so that all houses in multiple occupation, regardless of the number of occupants, would require planning permission. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The question asks whether the Government is investigating removing the occupancy threshold so that all HMOs need planning permission. The reply only gestures at general national and local planning policy (statements 2 and 3) and invites the shadow minister to share instances where existing powers fall short (statement 4). It never says whether the threshold change is being examined, so the substance of what was asked is left unanswered. |