TIGHTER rules could soon be applied to properties in Morecambe - and the local MP says they will combat poor housing in the area.

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith says the new Housing Bill, introduced in the House of Commons, will be a great tool for getting homes up to a decent standard.

The Bill will place a duty on local authorities to ensure that all houses in multiple occupancy with three or more storeys and five or more occupants are licensed.

Speaking in Parliament last week, Ms Smith told MPs that the move is good news for the resort.

"The Bill provides local authorities with a number of useful tools to deal with rogue landlords without overburdening the decent landlords who make a valuable contribution to meeting the nation's housing needs.

"I firmly believe that many of the Bill's provisions will be extremely helpful in my constituency."

She told the Citizen that she had been appointed to the committee assigned to scrutinise the Bill.

"Some parts of it are highly controversial, but I am convinced that the measures in it will be extremely helpful in combating poor housing, rogue landlords and anti-social behaviour."

She says she will welcome the views of residents for consider-ation as the bill progresses through Parliament.

The granting of a license for multiple occupancy will be dependent on applicants having suitable management and it will carry a £20,000 maximum penalty for breaching licensing conditions.