Reform UK councillors in Solihull are calling for greater local control over Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and more transparency over Home Office-contracted accommodation across the borough.

The Reform UK Group on Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) has submitted a motion which will be considered at a future meeting of the authority.

If approved, the proposals would introduce regular reporting on HMO activity, seek stronger planning and licensing powers for councils, and call for greater consultation over the placements of Home Office-contracted accommodation.

The group says this follows concerns raised by residents about the impact of the increasing number of HMOs on neighbourhoods and local services, such as GP surgeries, schools, and waste collection services.

The proposals build on a council decision made in April 2026 to pursue an Article 4 Direction, legal powers which would give the authority greater control over the conversion of properties into HMOs.

If the motion is approved, six-monthly reports would be provided to the relevant cabinet member, detailing HMO licensing, planning applications, enforcement activity, complaints, emerging hotspots and cumulative impact of HMOs across the borough.

The motion also calls on the council leader to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, requesting stronger powers for local authorities, as well as writing to the Home Secretary to seek greater transparency and consultation on the use of Home Office-contracted accommodation.

Cllr Michael James, who proposed the motion, said: "Residents across Solihull are telling us they want greater transparency and a stronger local voice when decisions are made that affect their communities.

"This motion recognises that HMOs provide important accommodation for many people, but it also acknowledges the very real concerns residents have about the impact that high concentrations can have on local services and neighbourhoods."

Cllr Samantha Gethen, leader of the opposition on SMBC, added: "Local people expect their elected representatives to stand up for their communities.

"The proposals for regular reporting, stronger oversight and greater engagement with Government will help ensure decisions are better informed, more transparent, and properly accountable."

The motion is due to be considered by SMBC at its next meeting.