BOURNEMOUTH council has inspected 80 licensed houses in multiple occupation over the past 12 months.

Officers have also carried out 88 HMO management inspections in response to specific complaints, with 53 premises issued with schedules of works required to bring them up to scratch.

At a recent full council meeting, cabinet member for housing Robert Lawton said: "There are 500 licensed HMOs in Bournemouth and the housing and community enforcement team are responsible for regulating these properties.

"The priority is always to ensure that the health and safety of the occupants is protected.

He also cited a recent case in which an inspection, post-Grenfell Tower fire, at an HMO revealed "significant concerns" about fire safety, leading to the residents being rehoused and a notice being served.

"This concentrated on fire safety issues including inadequate fire separation between the residential accommodation and the restaurant downstairs, communal areas requiring clearance and fire escapes restricted by combustible items," said Cllr Lawton.

"The property is prohibited from occupation until these works are completed."

Operation Galaxy, a council partnership with Dorset Police, has inspected 68 HMOs in the Boscombe area and has issued 48 notices.