MP planning to tackle 'brewing' HMO issues

SELLY OAK HAS MORE THAN ANY OTHER CITY CONSTITUENCY, HE SAYS

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

A BIRMINGHAM MP says the “brewing problem” of HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation) and exempt accommodation is one of the key challenges he wants to tackle.

Al Carns, who became Labour MP for Selly Oak last year, spoke to students from the University of Birmingham about the “major issue” and what can be done to address it.

It comes after people in his constituency criticised the city council’s “blanket acceptance of HMOs” in parts of the area and called for change.

Mr Carns acknowledged that Selly Oak has “more exempt housing and HMOs than any other constituency in Birmingham”.

“I want to make sure HMOs and exempt housing has the right legislative wrap around it to make sure it’s done in the right place, at the right time, at the right speed. I think we're just brewing a real problem there.”