Conservatives at Solihull Council have confirmed they are continuing to progress plans to introduce an Article 4 Direction, despite a recent motion brought forward by the Reform UK Group at Full Council on 7 July, which risked delaying the Council's work to strengthen local control over Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough.
An Article 4 Direction requires planning permission before a property can be converted into an HMO, giving the Council greater control over where HMOs are located. HMO licensing is a separate process that ensures HMOs are safe, properly managed and meet legal standards.
In April, the Conservatives successfully brought forward a motion aimed at tackling the uncontrolled growth of HMOs, with Reform UK councillors attracting criticism after abstaining on the vote.
The Conservative motion committed the Council to pursue an Article 4 Direction, commission the necessary evidence base and consult residents, paving the way for the removal of permitted development rights for future HMO conversions and giving the Council greater control over where new HMOs can be established.
The motion also committed the Council to pursue a more comprehensive HMO licensing regime and strengthen planning policies on issues including parking standards and minimum accommodation requirements.
Speaking after Full Council on Tuesday 7 July, Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Planning, said:
"Residents have been clear that they want stronger action on the increasing number of HMOs across our borough. That is exactly why Conservatives brought forward our motion in April.
"By pursuing an Article 4 Direction, we're putting in place the planning tools needed to give the Council greater control over future HMO conversions, while strengthening licensing and planning standards to protect our neighbourhoods"
Cllr Mackiewicz added:
"It is remarkable that Reform UK attempted to bring forward another motion on HMOs after choosing to abstain when the Council voted on the Conservative motion in April. However, their motion risked slowing the Council's progress towards adopting an Article 4 Direction, which would have been a significant strategic mistake. We amended the motion to have a quicker timetable and amazingly they abstained! This is another clear indication that the Reform UK Group is more interested in headlines than in delivering well thought-through policy.”
The Conservatives continue to lead Solihull Council as a minority administration following the closely fought local elections against Reform UK in May 2026, where the Conservatives won the largest number of seats and finished just two councillors short of an overall majority.
