Rhondda Cynon Taf councilors express concerns over substandard Houses in Multiple Occupation applications.
Councilor Wayne Owen wants a meeting with a Welsh Government inspector because the large amount of HMO applications is becoming absurd. He is tired of seeing these applications.
He said officers approve applications and follow required recommendations, while council members vote against them with their conscience because the applications aren’t suitable. He thinks this situation is unfair.
Councilor Sharon Rees agreed completely, noting these applications trouble committee members. The final status is unclear during reviews, and licensing approval is pending, so compliance is unknown. She called this situation ridiculous and talked to officers about helping the committee decide.
She thinks they must contact a specific association because political pressure is needed, she noted. Councilor Ross Williams finds it repetitive.
He explained they must house people morally and their duty includes proper housing situations too. Some applications seem to worsen over time, and he observed patterns in repeated poor applications. He wants some solution.
Councilor Danny Grehan doesn’t want just guidelines. He wants a discussion to explain refusal reasons, and this should help those involved to understand.