Worcester residents and landlords are being asked for their views on whether a shared housing scheme should continue for a further five years.

The City Council has been running an 'additional licensing' scheme for smaller Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) since 2015.

The scheme requires landlords to meet required standards on safety, fire safety measures, heating, repairs, and more in their properties.

The licensing scheme has to be renewed every five years and is currently due to come to an end in August next year.

The council has now launched a six-week consultation at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit to find out the public's views on it continuing for another five years.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, chair of the City Council's Communities Committee, said: "We know the majority of our landlords offer accommodation that meets the expected standards, but there are a few rogue operators out there and some tenants are afraid to speak up about them.

"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.

"That gives the council further powers to take enforcement action when we need to, in order to continue to drive forward improvements to the quality of rented housing across the city.

"The council is seeking to renew the additional licensing scheme for a further five years, but we need to get the input of residents, tenants, and landlords, which is why I am urging people to have their say at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit."

The standards required by the licences include ensuring homes are warm and that gas and electrical equipment is safe, that there is a means of escape in the event of a fire or other emergency, and several other measures.

Since 2020, the council has asked for at least one improvement to meet those standards in 128 of the current 362 HMO properties in the city covered by the additional licensing scheme.

In the same period, the council has issued notices to nine HMOs where the licensing standards had been breached.

In three cases, civil penalties were issued to landlords because improvements were not made.

The consultation is open until Monday, January 6, at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit.