Liverpool City Council’s Labour Cabinet approved new Article 4 directions which will give the Council greater powers to stop family homes being turned into Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). These sorely needed additional local powers will help to shift the dial in favour of local residents and against exploitative landlords.
However, Liverpool Liberal Democrat Councillors called the decision in, delaying implementation. The Council held a special meeting on 29th October to discuss Article 4 HMO restrictions which were due to come into force last week.
A vote was held at the end of the meeting. The question was whether these new HMO powers should come into force immediately. Unbelievably, the Liverpool Liberal Democrat Councillors present voted AGAINST.
They voted AGAINST more HMO restrictions. Fortunately, Labour had the votes to make sure we finally have these new Article 4 powers.
The Liberal Democrats worked with the Tories to change planning rules so that almost any property could be turned into a HMO without consultation with local residents.
Its clear that the Liberal Democrats don’t care about the impact of HMOs on our communities. They didn’t turn up to any of the consultations, they didn’t turn up to Cabinet for its approval and now they have voted against more restrictions. Unbelievable!