BARNSLEY Council has successfully executed a series of warrants in a crackdown on suspected unlicensed HMOs.

Two properties were identified as unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), with concerns identified with regard to the number of occupants and conditions they are living in.

Following intelligence development, Barnsley Council’s team applied for a court warrant. The warrant was supported by other agencies as part of Operation Duxford.

At the first location, where it is believed up to eight people live, the property was found to be in disrepair. Only two occupants had formal tenancy agreements. The council will follow up by pursuing a significant civil penalty or prosecution against the landlord.

The second, a two-bedroom property, was discovered to have sleeping arrangements for up to 12 people despite only three being present at the time of the warrant. The property was severely affected by damp and mould, and follow-up action is underway to address the health and safety concerns.

Council officials say that these actions are part of an ongoing, proactive approach to address the exploitation of vulnerable adults for financial and criminal gain and tackle the impacts of unregulated multiple occupancy housing on communities.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “We are committed to tackling the issues that harm the stability of our communities. The exploitation of vulnerable people through unsafe living conditions and criminal activities has a devastating impact on both those affected and the wider community.

“By working closely with our partners, we are sending a strong message that we will not tolerate these practices. This is a serious issue, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect Barnsley residents from harm.”