WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICE HOUSING ACT 2004 SECTION 56 THE WORCESTER CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL WARDS FOR ADDITIONAL LICENSING OF HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION 2025
What is planned?
1. Worcester City Council (“the Council”) HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that the
Council, being the Local Housing Authority, in exercise of its powers
under Section 56 of the Act has designated the entire City of Worcester
(“the Area”) for additional licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation
(“HMOs”).
2. The designation was made on 21st May 2025 and will come into force on 1st September 2025. The designation shall cease to have effect on
31 August 2030.
3. The designation falls within a description of designations for which the
Secretary of State has issued a General Approval dated 26th March 2015
and therefore does not need to be confirmed by the Secretary of State.
4. The designation applies to all HMOs, as defined by section 254 Housing
Act 2004, which are occupied by 3 or more persons comprising 2 or more
households (irrespective of the number of storeys within the HMO). This
includes single storey flats and two, three or more storey properties as
well as s257 flats (converted flats meeting the test under s257 of the Act).
5. This notice is published in accordance with Section 56 to 60 of the Act and
Regulation 9 of the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple
Occupation and Other Houses (Misc. Provisions)(England) Regulations
2006.
6. The designation may be inspected at: Customer Service Centre, 89 High
Street, Worcester, WR1 2EY. The designation is also available on the
Council’s website and will be emailed upon request to the private sector
housing team. Private sector housing can be contacted via:
Telephone: 01905 722288Email: privatehousing@worcester.gov.uk
Website: https://www.worcester.gov.uk/housing/landlord-advice/
additional-licensing-of-hmos
7. Any landlord, person managing, or tenant in the area of the district of
Worcester City Council should seek advice from the Council on whether
their property is affected by this designation and should apply to licence
their property at the above website.
8. WARNING: Failure to licence a property which requires licensing by
virtue of this designation may result in an unlimited fine on summary
under the provisions of section 72 of the Act or a Civil Penalty of no more
than £30,000. A person who breaches a condition of the licence is liable
upon conviction to a maximum fine of £5,000 or a Civil Penalty of no
more than £30,000. Tenants and/or the Council may apply for a rent
repayment order under Sections 73 and 74 of the Act.
Dated: 21st May 2025
Signed: Sian Stroud, Authorised Signatory
