Plymouth Labour is outlining plans to tackle the impact of the growing numbers of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in certain parts of the city.

Parts of Drake, Compton and St Peter and the Waterfront wards have growing numbers of residents concerned about the impact that an increase in HMOs is having on parking, waste collection, street cleanliness and other local infrastructure. 

Drake ward councillor Charlotte Holloway is bringing a motion to full council on Monday 27 March prompted by residents’ concerns.

“As a city, we’ve allowed changes in house use to incrementally develop over time without properly assessing the impact it has on local residents, as well as assuring the quality of housing that HMO tenants are getting,” said Cllr Holloway.

“Plymouth is supposed to have a legal 10% limit on HMO numbers, and I want to see more action on how this is monitored, enforced and what plans are in place to support communities facing additional burdens on local infrastructure as a result.”

The motion asks for a number of things including that all property owners with an HMO licence are reminded of the standards required and their responsibilities towards their tenants.

It also requests that the council’s waste and refuse team increase efforts to tackle additional refuse collection needs on streets which have seen an increased number of HMOs in recent years.

Paul McNamara, who is Labour’s candidate for Drake ward in the upcoming local elections, is also asking a question on the subject of HMOs at the full council meeting.

“This motion and the question I am asking are both informed by the views of hundreds of residents on whose doors we have knocked over the past year,” said Paul.

“Labour is firmly on the side of residents and renters wanting better quality accommodation. It’s clear we need an approach to refuse collection and enforcement which takes account of the changes in housing supply.”

Full text of the motion: 9 Labour HMO.pdf (plymouth.gov.uk)