WARRINGTON'S inner wards are ‘suffering’ as a result of properties being converted into houses of multiple occupancy (HMO).

The issue was raised by Cllr Jean Flaherty (LAB – Fairfield and Howley) at last week’s building stronger communities policy committee meeting at the Town Hall.

She said: “Certainly, in the inner wards we are suffering at the moment from the conversion of the bigger, old terrace properties to homes in multiple occupancy, which are going up in quality, which is absolutely great for the people living in them.

“But it also means that there are more cars in already congested areas.

“So, we need to look at that one and maybe how that gets through.”

The committee agreed to look at the issue, as well as affordable housing in the borough, as part of its work programme.

Government guidance states a home is an HMO if at least three tenants live in it to form more than one household and they share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities.

An HMO must have a licence if it is occupied by five or more people.