Sunderland City Council’s new Reform UK administration has tabled several debates at its first major meeting since taking power - including proposals for a city-wide review of houses in multiple occupation.

The local authority’s ruling Reform UK Group recently confirmed its leader and cabinet at an annual meeting on May 20, 2026, following historic election results which saw the party win majority control of the council from Labour.

The annual meeting marked the start of the 2026-27 council year and was focused on appointments, including that of new council leader Councillor Chris Eynon.

The agenda for the first ordinary full council meeting of the year has now been published and includes a number of motions from councillors, which are expected to be debated and voted on.

Councillor Chris Eynon, the leader of Sunderland City Council.

placeholder image — Councillor Chris Eynon, the leader of Sunderland City Council.

One motion is entitled “review of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) across the city of Sunderland” and includes several resolutions.

These include asking the Reform UK cabinet to “commission a comprehensive review into HMOs” across the city to “establish a clear and evidence-based understanding” of matters including locations, housing and safety standards plus feedback from residents, tenants and landlords.

The motion also asks for “appropriate consultation” and for the review’s findings to be reported back to city leaders to explore next steps and options available, including “potential licensing schemes or enhanced enforcement approaches”.

Another Reform UK motion entitled “non-continuation of City of Sanctuary accreditation and introduction of a Stronger Communities Strategy” follows a previous council debate and resolution at City Hall back in 2022, which included a commitment to “continue to be a welcoming place of safety for all”, including those fleeing violence or persecution.

The initiative, which was discussed again by city councillors in 2024, is linked to a charity which has created a network of support for refugees and others needing help, with access to resources, expert support, collaboration opportunities and meetings.

The motion from Sunderland’s new Reform UK administration states that “the most effective approach is not to pursue external accreditation, but to develop a Sunderland-led model that strengthens practical partnership working across the city” with a focus on “delivering measurable benefit for residents and improving the council’s reach into local communities”.

The third Reform UK motion aims to “rescind” the council’s previous climate emergency declaration, which was agreed back in 2019.

The motion states the council “recognises that environmental stewardship remains an important responsibility of local government, particularly in relation to clean streets, green spaces, waste management, air quality, coastal protection, public realm, transport infrastructure, and the responsible use of council resources”.

However, it adds that the “framing of local environmental policy through a climate emergency declaration can create a policy direction that is disproportionate, financially burdensome and insufficiently balanced against the council’s wider responsibilities”.

Reform UK states these wider responsibilities include “affordability for residents, support for local businesses, value for money, statutory service delivery and the council’s overall financial resilience”.

The three Reform UK motions, and a motion from the opposition Liberal Democrats entitled “Fairer Parking on Wearside”, are scheduled to be discussed at the June 24 full council meeting at City Hall at 4pm.