MOVES to cut regulation of multiple occupancy rental homes in Worcester have been blasted as a “rogue landlords’ charter” by opposition Labour councillors.

But Conservatives have defended the change saying the vast majority of homes will still be covered by the current regulations and the council will continue to deal with rogue landlords.

A statement from Labour says the changes will make it easier for some to avoid safety inspections on their properties, "putting Tory councillors firmly on the side of unscrupulous private landlords."

Councillor Tracey Biggs, who represents Nunnery Ward said: “It is simply unacceptable that many tenants in Nunnery and across Worcester will now be left unprotected."

"These cuts to the Council’s licensing scheme will make it easier for rogue landlords to avoid safety inspections, leaving more people living in unsafe accommodation while someone else profits. This not only affects the residents living in these conditions, but also neighbours and the wider community who are impacted by neglected properties.”

However Leader of Worcester City Council, Cllr Marc Bayliss responded saying the policy will only discontinue in areas where there are not many HMO's like St Peter's but will continue to apply in places where there are many, like St John's and City Centre.

Cllr Mark Bayliss said: “The reason for the change is to reflect that this is an additional scheme that is meant to be applied where there is a particular problem with HMOs.”

“In wards where we are continuing the policy, that is where they are concentrated. The policy will not apply where there are not many."

Cllr Bayliss said this approach is the same across the county including in Wychavon.

He said: "This policy is being applied where it needs to be but not where is doesn't. Labour's claims that this will make more rogue landlords is a nonsense. This policy is well constructed and is an appropriate response to where in the city these problems exist."