COUNCILLORS have given backing to plans to extend a scheme which ensures people living in bedsits in Thurrock are not suffering because of rogue landlords.

Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with more than five tenants are automatically covered by a mandatory licensing scheme designed to ensure a suitable standard of accommodation. Thurrock Council introduced a licensing scheme for smaller HMOs in parts of the borough which is due to end in May but officers have recommended renewing the scheme and extending it across the whole borough.

Councillors on Thurrock's housing overview and scrutiny committee, which met on Tuesday , heard there was increasing demand for one-bedroom homes and the scheme would ensure even small HMOs met a basic standard.

Speaking at the meeting, Steve Liddiard, Labour councillor for Tilbury St Chads, said: "I'm in favour of HMOs. The number of single people looking for accommodation in my area is significant. It's every week and there aren't enough HMOs around."

Maureen Pearce, Conservative councillor for Aveley and Uplands, said: "I agree with councillor Liddiard. There seems to be an increase in the population for one-bedroom places.

"Is it because of death and they are in a three-bedroom house and want to get out or sons and daughters want to get away from mum and dad? Or is it because of divorce?"

Joycelyn Redsell, Conservative councillor for Little Thurrock Blackshots was concerned at the rise in HMOs. She said "I really want to know what we are doing to restrict HMOs or are we wanting HMOs in the area because they bring some money in? That's my real concern that we are using them now as a money stream.

"My other worry is that HMOs coming into the area don't have to let anybody know they are doing it. It's councillors who hear about them from the neighbours but they don't have to let you know they are running an HMO. They can buy a property in the area and open it as an HMO."

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Councillors were informed if the licensing scheme is extended to all HMOs landlords would have to inform the council they were operating an HMO and they would be registered.

The committee also heard population growth has added to the demand for single homes as well as people living longer and while the scheme wouldn't control the numbers it would regulate the standard of the homes.

James Halden, chairman of the committee said there was broad agreement for the extension but with further information on how the scheme would be enforced.