Councillors in Worcester have agreed to extend the city’s additional licensing scheme for another five years.

The authority has been running an additional scheme for smaller HMOs since 2015, which was due to end in September. Following positive feedback from a recent consultation, its communities committee has voted to extend it until 2030.

“We know the majority of our landlords offer accommodation that meets the expected standards, but there are a few non-compliant operators out there and some tenants are afraid to speak up about them,” says councillor Jill Desayrah, committee vice-chair (main image).

“The HMO additional licensing scheme sets out the standards that have to be met and helps to give tenants the confidence to talk to the city council.”

In September 2023, Worcester extended its scheme from the wards of Arboretum, Bedwardine, Cathedral and St Clements and St Johns to all the remaining wards. Landlords now have to pay fees of between £1,003 and £1,280.

Since 2020, the council has asked for at least one improvement to meet the required standards in 40% of the 362 HMO properties currently covered by the scheme. In the same period, it issued notices to nine HMOs where licensing standards had been breached. In three cases, civil penalties were issued to landlords because improvements weren’t made.

The council reports that it collaborates with partners including the University of Worcester, Worcestershire Regulatory Services, the police and fire service, to raise awareness and ensure compliance with licensing requirements.