Nuneaton and Bedworth’s local council is launching a new survey, including door-to-door questionnaires, to address growing concerns surrounding Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This initiative aims to gather direct feedback from residents about the impact of HMOs on their communities, a key issue highlighted since the Reform group became the minority administration. Councillor George Finch, group and council leader, stated that issues related to HMOs are among the most frequently raised by locals.
Addressing HMO ‘Problems’ in Nuneaton and Bedworth
The council’s plan, part of its 100-day ‘DOGE’ strategy, follows a council meeting last summer where the potential introduction of an ‘Article 4’ direction was discussed. Such a direction would require planning permission for any conversion of a family home into a small HMO, a measure not currently in place. However, initial investigations into implementing an Article 4 have stalled.
Councillor Shane Coates-Jarman, cabinet member for planning, presented the findings of commissioned work at a recent cabinet meeting. Consultants advised against an Article 4 direction, citing insufficient evidence to justify it. Instead, they recommended strengthening the council’s existing licensing powers. In response, the council has opted for a more direct approach to gauge public sentiment.
New Survey and £40,000 Investment
The upcoming survey will involve extensive door-knocking efforts to collect residents’ feelings and experiences. This data will inform the council’s next steps, with no option being ruled out at this stage. The cabinet has approved a £40,000 budget for this comprehensive review.
Councillor Coates-Jarman elaborated on the resident concerns, stating, “Across the borough, residents continue to raise concerns about the impact that HMOs are having on their communities.” These concerns encompass increased pressure on local amenities, parking challenges, difficulties with refuse and recycling management, instances of anti-social behaviour, and a perceived change in the character of established neighbourhoods.
He added, “If these concerns are wide-spread enough and supported by sufficient evidence that justify future intervention is precisely what this next stage has been designed to establish. The independent consultants have advised there is currently insufficient robust evidence to justify an Article 4 direction. As a responsible authority, we must respect that advice; however, we also must recognise that many residents believe there is genuine impact being felt in their communities and expect the council to expect this properly.” All findings will be re-evaluated in February 2027 before final decisions are made.
Broader Concerns and Political Reactions
Councillor George Finch linked the rise in HMOs to broader issues, expressing concern about an increase in individuals housed in the borough who are not known or vetted, suggesting this is contributing to resident unease. He criticized the government for perceived failures in managing immigration, which he believes exacerbates local problems.
Deputy leader Councillor Mike Bannister echoed these sentiments, highlighting a loss of control and a significant change in the town’s character. He criticized government funding for landlords housing individuals, stating, “We are standing up for our people.”
A Labour member, Councillor Nicky King, walked out of the meeting, describing claims made by Reform councillors as “disgusting.” Labour group leader Councillor Brady Hughes stated that her party supports strong enforcement against rogue landlords and welcomes measures to review HMO density to prevent anti-social behaviour and parking issues. However, she questioned whether the £40,000 budget would adequately capture the true scale of issues related to smaller HMOs.
Focus on Licensing and Local Impact
Councillor Keith Kondakor suggested that enhanced licensing is the quickest and most effective way to address HMO issues, noting that properly licensed HMOs can provide valuable accommodation with essential safety features. He pointed out that Article 4 directions are currently only considered in areas with very high HMO density, such as parts of Stockingford.
Councillor Coates-Jarman, whose own ward in Stockingford has a significant number of HMOs, shared specific examples, such as multiple HMOs on Eadie Street, and reiterated concerns about parking and anti-social behaviour impacting residents’ willingness to use local parks.
Councillor Will Markham urged the cabinet to consider the issue of ‘sandwiching,’ where HMOs are situated on either side of existing family homes. Councillor Finch acknowledged this as a long-standing problem that requires resident input to resolve effectively.
Next Steps and Future Decisions
The council plans to collect evidence through the new survey and aims to make decisions by the summer of next year. The cabinet’s approval of the £40,000 spend marks a significant step in their commitment to understanding and addressing the complex issues surrounding HMOs in Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The council is actively seeking direct input from the community, aiming to move beyond previous administrations’ perceived inaction and implement solutions based on tangible evidence and resident feedback.
