Senior Reform UK Councillor Admits to Owning Illegal HMOs with Multiple Safety Failures
Edward Harris, the chairman of Warwickshire County Council and a prominent Reform UK councillor, has publicly acknowledged his ownership of two properties that Tamworth Borough Council has declared illegal Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The local authority discovered that both six-bedroom homes in Stonydelph, Tamworth, were operating without proper licensing and presented what officials described as "multiple serious safety failures" that compromised basic living standards.
Dangerous Living Conditions Uncovered
Following a tip from a concerned resident, Tamworth Borough Council inspectors examined the properties and found them to be in a dangerous state, unfit for habitation. The investigation revealed a disturbing catalogue of deficiencies that put tenants at significant risk. Both properties lacked central heating systems and had no access to hot water, creating potentially hazardous living conditions especially during colder months.
Perhaps most alarmingly, the homes had no working fire alarm systems installed, leaving occupants vulnerable in the event of a fire emergency. Additional safety concerns included inadequate cooking facilities and unsafe access to outdoor areas, further compromising the wellbeing of those residing in the properties.
Council Warnings Ignored According to Authorities
Tamworth Borough Council officials stated they had repeatedly warned Councillor Harris and the managing agents responsible for one of the properties about the dangerous conditions, but these warnings went unheeded. The council specifically noted that both Harris and London-based Touchstone Corporate Property Services Limited, which had managed one property since September, had "repeatedly failed to take action on warnings and advice from the council to address the problems."
This persistent neglect of safety concerns ultimately forced the council to issue prohibition orders and shut down both rental properties located in Melmerby, Stonydelph. The decisive action came after what housing officials described as extensive efforts to work with the landlord and management agency to rectify the dangerous conditions.
Councillor's Response and Accountability
Councillor Harris, who represents Baddesley & Dordon for Reform UK, admitted ownership of the properties and stated he takes "full accountability" for their current state. He acknowledged there were "a number of things to be contrite about" and pledged to "do my utmost to sort it out and get things back on a level playing field now I am aware of the full circumstances."
However, Harris disputed some aspects of the council's account, suggesting that "not all of those facts are presented in the correct light" and claiming there was "much more context" to the situation. He specifically challenged the council's assertion that he had repeatedly ignored warnings, though he declined to elaborate on why he had not been aware of the properties' dangerous conditions despite his ownership.
Conflicting Perspectives on Safety
In a surprising contradiction to the council's findings, Councillor Harris denied that the properties were unsafe, stating: "I don't think they are unsafe. I think there are a couple of actions that need to be taken to make them more habitable, but I don't see them as unsafe." This assessment directly conflicts with Tamworth Borough Council's official determination that the properties presented immediate dangers to occupants.
Harris also distanced himself from Touchstone Corporate Property Services, denying any "direct relationship" with the management company and claiming their appointment had been made by a mortgage company involved with one of the properties.
Political and Professional Implications
As chairman of Warwickshire County Council, Harris serves as the civic and ceremonial head of the authority, responsible for upholding and promoting the purposes of its constitution. When questioned about potential resignation from either his chairmanship or councillor role, Harris maintained that "my personal life is completely separate from my work life" and saw no need to step down.
The Reform UK councillor confirmed he had informed a member of his party's cabinet about the situation, noting that Reform UK was "considering its position" regarding the matter. Harris expressed his desire to continue in his roles, stating he had "made significant commitments, both to Reform UK and to Warwickshire County Council" and had "a lot to give" in both capacities.
Council's Firm Stance on Housing Standards
Tamworth Borough Council has made clear its intention to pursue further enforcement action regarding the two properties. Borough housing boss Councillor Ben Clarke emphasized that "safety is always a priority" and explained that "the state of the properties left no choice but to act" after discovering "local people living in dangerous conditions and a landlord who simply refused to act despite repeated warnings."
Clarke stressed the non-negotiable nature of basic housing standards, stating: "No one should be paying costly rent and have to live without heating or hot water, or in a property with inadequate fire safety measures. These basic standards are not negotiable." The council has offered support, advice, and assistance to all affected residents to help them secure alternative accommodation.
Broader Implications for Housing Regulation
This case highlights the ongoing challenges local authorities face in regulating private rental properties and ensuring minimum safety standards. Councillor Clarke noted that while "most landlords in Tamworth provide good quality homes and take their responsibilities seriously," the council "will not hesitate to act" when properties fall below acceptable standards.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the enforcement powers available to local authorities and their willingness to use them when landlords fail to meet their legal obligations. For Councillor Harris, who claims 28 years of experience as a landlord without previous significant council trouble, the incident represents a serious breach of housing regulations that has drawn both political and public scrutiny.
