A demonstration opposing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) is being promoted for Weymouth next week, with organisers urging people to stand together to “protect our towns”.
The protest is advertised for Sunday, 1 November, at 1pm at the Jubilee Clock Tower in Weymouth town centre.
A promotional poster features the names and emblems of Poole Patriots, Weymouth Patriots and Bournemouth Patriots, alongside the message “Say No to HMO”.
The campaign raises concerns about the impact of HMOs on local communities, including safeguarding, against a wider backdrop of debate about housing, immigration and community safety.
In an exchange with the Dorset Gazette, a representative associated with Poole Patriots said all residents of HMOs should be vetted to assess whether they pose a risk to women and children.
“All H.M.O residents should be vetted to make sure they pose no risk to women or children especially if they are near parks, schools etc.”
Asked whether the proposed checks should apply to everyone or only people living in the UK unlawfully, the representative said they should apply to all residents.
The exchange also included concerns about knowing who lives in neighbouring properties, with comments referring to both foreign nationals and British men. However, the representative did not explain what vetting procedures they wanted introduced, who would carry them out or how any potential risk would be assessed.
Asked how many people were expected at the demonstration, the representative said four groups would be attending and that everyone was welcome. The representative did not identify all four groups in the exchange.
The group was also asked whether people wearing balaclavas would be permitted to attend. The response was that they would be banned.
Group responds to questions about racism and immigration
The Dorset Gazette asked the group what it would say to people who describe the organisation as racist. The response was:
“We all have an opinion.”
Asked whether the group opposed all immigration, the representative said no and added that people fleeing war should be welcome in the UK.
“If your fleeing war welcome to come here.”
The representative also referred to their Polish grandmother, saying she was born in Kraków during the Second World War and came to the UK to find safety, despite not having papers. The representative said she had “done it the right way”.
The debate surrounding the protest raises questions about the distinction between concerns over housing standards and community safety, and broader arguments about immigration.
What are HMOs?
Houses in multiple occupation are properties lived in by several people who are not members of the same household and who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom.
Depending on the property and circumstances, landlords may be required to obtain an HMO licence and meet specific safety and management standards. Those requirements are separate from the campaign’s call for additional checks on residents.
HMOs can accommodate people from a range of backgrounds, including workers, students and people seeking affordable housing.
Living in an HMO does not, in itself, indicate that a person poses a risk to others.
Any proposal for additional vetting would need to be considered in the context of existing law, privacy rights and the need for fair treatment.
The Dorset Gazette has not been provided with evidence establishing that HMO residents in Weymouth or the surrounding area pose a particular threat to women or children.
Questions remain about the campaign’s aims
The planned demonstration is expected to bring together people opposed to the use or expansion of HMOs in their communities.
The organisers’ call for residents to be vetted leaves questions about the specific measures they want authorities to introduce and whether their concerns also include housing conditions, overcrowding, antisocial behaviour and safeguarding.
The Dorset Gazette will continue to examine the issues surrounding HMOs and the arguments put forward by campaigners, residents, landlords and local authorities.
The demonstration is advertised for 1pm on Sunday, 1 November, at the Jubilee Clock Tower in Weymouth.