Business of the House

Phil Brickell Excerpts

Thursday 9th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Audrey on her great achievement. Yet again we are hearing of the amazing work that our constituents do day in, day out to support others and to ensure that they can access the care and support they need. I will certainly consider a debate on the issue.

[Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)]

A number of my constituents have grave concerns about homes being repurposed into houses in multiple occupation without any requirement for planning permission. Currently, planning permission is not needed for homes in Bolton with six or fewer bedrooms, yet I know of three houses in Horwich that are being redeveloped into six-bedroom homes without any oversight, with concerns raised about parking and antisocial behaviour. Will the Leader of the House therefore make Government time available for a debate on this important issue, to ensure that there is a level playing field across the country on planning requirements for HMOs?

[Lucy Powell]

We can all recognise the real issues that occur when unregulated HMOs take hold in communities and the challenges they bring to community cohesion and in poor housing standards. I just announced that the Renters’ Rights Bill will be back in the Chamber next week, and that will be a great opportunity for my hon. Friend to raise those issues.