For years, I’ve been urging the city council to address the rapid increase of HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in our community, especially in my ward.

While HMOs offer accommodation for single people, they often disrupt settled communities because residents typically only stay for a few months. This leads to overcrowding, poor refuse management, noisy neighbours and an increase in cars on already congested streets. The loss of family homes also changes the demographics, unsettling the community.

In Kingsholm, with the highest proportion of HMOs in the city, at 6.91%, it is a hot topic on the doorstep and social media.

Things are finally moving forward. This is a manifesto pledge and a key action within the council’s new corporate plan.

On 10th December, the Cabinet reviewed a report I submitted, demanding stricter rules for Gloucester HMOs. Did you know there are 1,680 HMOs in the city, but only 312 are licensed?

When too many properties become HMOs, it disrupts the community balance, especially noticeable in the older parts of Gloucester. It also makes it nearly impossible for local families to buy modest homes, as private landlords snap them up with cash to convert them.

The new plan is tough:
1. Every single HMO in the city will soon need a licence, no matter its size.

2. In six key wards – Kingsholm & Wotton, Westgate, Barton & Tredworth, Moreland, Elmbridge and Kingsway – we are introducing an Article 4 Direction. This closes a loophole, requiring planning permission for smaller HMOs (six people or fewer).

The fees from these licences will fund the enforcement officers needed to maintain standards.

A public consultation is coming up soon. The target date for new licences is April 2026 and the planning permission change will be ready by March 2027.