Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Supported Accommodation: HMOs

11 November 2020 · 1 other contributor · 3,192 words

Opened by Steve McCabe Lab Birmingham, Selly Oak

Responding minister: Kelly Tolhurst

HousingCommunity Security

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steve McCabe raised concerns about supported accommodation: hmos in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about conversion of family homes into HMOs under permitted development rules.
  • Urges government to reconsider proposals for reforming planning laws that allow additional storeys on dwellings.
  • Calls for better regulations, clearer definitions of adequate support, increased transparency, and regular monitoring in supported accommodation.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government to reconsider their proposals for reforming planning laws that allow additional storeys on dwellings, as it will exacerbate the problem of destroying family homes. I call for better regulations, clearer definitions of adequate support in supported accommodation, increased transparency about providers, and regular monitoring with fit and proper person checks for owners.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Steve McCabe Lab Birmingham, Selly Oak

I am concerned about the conversion of family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under permitted development rules, which has led to a decrease in housing for young families and an increase in unregulated hostels. Research indicates that thousands live in potentially unsafe and unsuitable conditions, with issues like noise, drug use, and antisocial behaviour affecting local residents. In one case, a pregnant woman was placed in a property needing repairs and faced threats from staff when she complained.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Mr. Jim Shannon emphasised the importance of support workers being present in buildings classified as supported accommodation, highlighting the need for these facilities to be suitable and accessible not only for vulnerable individuals but also their families and local neighbours.

Government Response

Kelly Tolhurst

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Efford. I thank the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Steve McCabe) for securing the debate; it has touched on issues that are of deep concern to me as a relatively new Minister in the post. The Government are committed to ensuring high standards across all provisions of supported housing. Supported housing is critical in providing vulnerable individuals with the support they need to live independently. Although the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak raised serious issues, I cannot stress enough that they relate to only a very small part of the sector. Introducing over-hasty regulations may have unintended consequences for the rest of it. The Government already have a programme of work in train on regulation and oversight of supported housing, including publishing a national statement of expectations and funding five local authority areas to test approaches to improving quality and oversight in the housing sector with £3.1 million. We hope that these pilots will influence future policies and drive up standards. My Department is working closely with Birmingham City Council to monitor progress and provide support.

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