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People moving to live in the Copeland area from a country outside the European Union have to confirm that they are moving into accommodation that is of suitable standard, and the accommodation will not be made overcrowded by their arrival. 

Home of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) is a legal term used to describe a house that is shared by three or more unrelated people, who all share facilities like the kitchen and bathroom.

The law gives a detailed list of criteria that a house needs to meet in order to be called a HMO. The following information gives a brief overview of the HMO definition. It also provides information on the types of HMO that must have a licence.

What is an HMO?

An HMO is defined as a building, or part of a building (for example a flat):

We are urging people with empty homes to bring them back into use and help provide the housing the community needs.

Our Empty Homes Officer works with the owners of empty homes to advise on returning their properties back into use. If owners refuse to engage, or don't make enough progress, we can carry out enforcement action. You can read more about empty homes issues on the Empty Homes Agency website.

Performing arts boost for unemployed residents

Published: 30/01/2020

UNEMPLOYED Copeland residents have used performing arts to boost their confidence and job prospects.

Fourteen residents took part in a series of fun and inspirational activities based on a performing arts theme, designed and led by actor and voiceover artist Lucianne McEvoy.

Copeland Work and Skills Partnership organised the session, in conjunction with hosts Rosehill Theatre, to trial a new way of developing pre-employment support.

If you live in a privately rented property and the landlord is not carrying out essential repairs, let us know. We will help you to deal with the problem.

When you contact us, you will need to tell us:

  • your landlord's name and contact details
  • what repairs are needed
  • when you reported the repairs to your landlord

We will arrange to visit the property with the landlord and carry out an inspection.

Our Prevention and Crisis Support Officers 

We provide specialist support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual exploitation who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Our Prevention and Crisis Support Officers advise those who have suffered domestic abuse or sexual exploitation, and liaise with our housing options team to provide emergency accommodation if necessary.

We have access to expertly-designed properties with extra security measures, to ensure the victim and any children involved feel safe.

The former district (Copeland, Allerdale, and Carlisle) Disabled Facilities Grants policies are currently under review. Cumberland Council will develop a single policy to cover the Cumberland area. The public, partners and customers will be consulted as part of the review and until it is developed and adopted by the council, the current district policies will apply.

What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?

These grants can be used to make changes to your home to help a disabled person live independently, safely and with dignity

Most housing associations in Copeland are part of the Cumbria Choice allocations scheme, which is a partnership between the six local authorities in Cumbria and various housing associations. This includes the three main landlords in Copeland: Home Group, Impact Housing Association and Castles and Coasts Housing Association.

If you run a business it is vital you comply with health and safety legislation and that you understand your responsibilities. Here we answer some frequently asked questions about health and safety procedure.

How can I get information on how to comply with health and safety legislation? 

For information on how to comply with health and safety legislation, contact us.

The Health and Safety Executive also provides comprehensive information.

Parts of Copeland are Smoke Control Areas (under the Clean Air Act 1993) which means that smoke must not be emitted from chimneys of dwellings in these areas. The Smoke Control Areas include most of Whitehaven, Millom and Distington.

In these areas it is necessary to use authorised smokeless fuel for heating purposes. This includes gas, electricity, anthracite and various brands of manufactured solid smokeless fuels.

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