I am publishing the response from The Mears Group about HMOs in Peterlee. I have received confirmation that procurement in Peterlee is paused.

I support this decision. HMOs are not a feature of our local housing market. I do not believe converting family homes into HMOs is in the long-term interest of our community.

Durham County Council

In recent months, I have made several representations to Durham County Council raising concerns about HMOs in East Durham.

The responses I received indicated that Durham County Council did not have the power to intervene, and they saw HMOs as a legitimate form of housing.

Far from having no influence, the response from The Mears Group suggests that Durham County Council has been an active participant in identifying and approving properties for The Mears Group.

Joint Administration Councillor and Cabinet Member Susan McDonnell addressed a public meeting on HMOs at the Moorcock. At the meeting, a Council briefing was read out, which did not include any details of Durham County Council’s role in identifying and approving properties.

Despite our political differences, I do not believe Cllr Susan McDonnell would knowingly mislead the public. I think it is a scandal that details of Durham County Council’s role in the scheme have been withheld from a Cabinet member, particularly when it involves a contentious issue in her ward, and she was due to address a public meeting.

What now?

I welcome the decision by The Mears Group to pause procurement and to acknowledge the concerns created by the conversion of family homes into HMOs.

I have written to John Hewitt, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, asking the following:

1.) A promise that Durham County Council will not approve any conversion of family homes into HMOs in the Easington constituency, where they are involved in the process of identifying and approving schemes.

2.) A commitment to write to The Mears Group, with a public letter stating that Durham County Council does not support the conversion of family homes into HMOs in areas where HMOs are not part of the local housing market.

3.) An investigation into why information has been withheld from democratically elected Councillors, specifically, Cabinet Member Susan McDonell, when she was due to address a public meeting in her ward on a very contentious issue.

I have also copied the correspondence to Council Leader and Opposition Leader, Cllrs Amanda Hopgood and Carl Marshall. I have asked the following:

1.) Who within the Joint Administration was aware of the Council’s role in identifying and approving properties in conjunction with The Mears Group?

2.) If the Cabinet were aware, why was information not shared with Cllr Susan McDonnell?

I note that Cllr McDonnell stated that she has been in discussions with Cabinet Colleagues and Officers about this matter since October. I am shocked that during this period, no one has disclosed to her the extent of Durham County Council’s involvement.

I have copied below my correspondence to Mr Hewitt, in addition to the response I received from The Mears Group, setting out their decision to pause procurement and the Council’s role in the scheme.

Conclusion

In my last update, I stated that I opposed the development of HMOs in East Durham, and to date, the Council disagrees.

I understand Cllr McDonnell stated the Council was looking at developing an HMO policy. However, the response from The Mears Group shows that no policy was required and that Durham County Council had a role in identifying and approving developments.

I cannot stop HMOs from going ahead; however, I will continue in my efforts to scrutinise Durham County Council. I believe the Council has misled me, Councillors, Cabinet Members, and the public.

I remain available to press the Government to give our Council more powers to regulate and manage HMOs; however, far from trying to address public concerns, it is the current policy of Durham County Council to identify and approve properties presented to them by The Mears Group.

The creation of HMOs in our communities is Durham County Council policy, whether or not Council Cabinet members are aware of it!

———-Mears Group Email———-

Dear Mr Morris

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns.

As you are aware Co Durham became a dispersal area for the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contract last year.

We have worked closely with Durham County Council and the Police as well as other agencies to agree the areas where procurement of property can take place. Peterlee was agreed as a potential area for new property. There is a protocol in place whereby each property Mears identifies is sent to the Local Authority for checking as a reasonable location and approval. Consultation with the Police happens at this time too. The property is only progressed if there is appropriate feedback and approval.

That being said, the activity in Peterlee has caused a number of issues within the community and I recognise your concerns. The people we need to house to end hotel usage incorporate both families and single people so we have been seeking to bring forward a mix of family accommodation and single accommodation. Where required, we apply for an HMO licence to the local authority.

We have heard the concerns on the community and been in constant discussion with the Police and local authority about the unrest being caused. The safety of our residents and wellbeing of communities are core to what we do. Procurement in Peterlee is paused whilst we review the best way forward and consulting. Your views are welcome as part of that review and I will let you know if the situation changes.

I trust that this is of assistance. Should you have any further concerns please contact Ray Blundell who leads this contract within Mears and he can provide the information you need. Ray would be delighted to meet you in person if you think this would be useful.

Letter to Durham County Council