What's New?
Network Activity
May 2009
The Government has issued a consultation paper on possible planning changes relating to HMOs.
Whilst acknowledging that HMOs provide a necessary option for rented accommodation it is clear that in some cases they are also the cause of pressures in communities relating to parking problems, anti-social behaviour and changing the fundamental character of an area.
Previous research undertaken by ECOTEC proposed changes to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes Order) 1987 and this new consultation offers three options for addressing the impact of high concentrations of HMOs in an attempt to see whether changes to legislation are necessary.
You can see the full consultation document here.
The Network Steering Group responded to the Consultation and you can see the response here.
The Government’s response to the Rugg Review Consultation – The private rented sector: professionalism and quality has now been published.
The Rugg review was published in 2008 after having been commissioned by the Government as an independent review of the private rented sector. The review included six ‘policy directions of travel’ and this consultation now looks at the Government’s response to the review and options for moving forward.
You can see the full consultation document here.
The Network Steering Group responded to the Consultation and you can see the response here.
March 2009
The National HMO Network has taken part in the review of the National Guidance on Fire Safety Standards in Existing Residential Accommodation which was originally published by LACORS in July 2008.
The review considered feedback from enforcing authorities, landlords and their representatives.
Clarification on some issues in the guidance has now been published as a result of the review.
You can see both the guidance and the clarification (dated March 2009) on the LACORS website.