Housing Minister Gavin Barwell has announced a series of new measures to tackle overcrowded housing in England.

The new proposals aim to stop rogue landlords from cramming tenants into unsafe housing as well helping councils raise standards in shared homes.

Measures include:

• ensuring mandatory licensing rules apply to all shared homes with five or more people from two or more households, and to flats above and below shops and other business premises

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• requiring landlords of shared homes to provide decent storage and disposal of rubbish

• tightening up the fit and proper person test for landlords and ensuring criminal record checks are carried out to weed out rogues

Minister Barwell said: "In order to build a country that truly works for everyone we must ensure that everyone has somewhere safe and secure to live.

"These measures will give councils the powers they need to tackle poor-quality rental homes in their area.

"By driving out rogue landlords that flout the rules out of business, we are raising standards and giving tenants the protection they need."

A consultation on the proposals is now underway.

(LM/MH)