08/11/2010 - Council to allow home businesses
Residents in a London borough could soon be running businesses from their own home thanks to a planned change in tenancy rules.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is to allow people living in council or housing association properties to use their home for trade or business for the first time. The council will do this by removing a clause in tenancy agreements which previously prevented them from using their home for business.
The move will give 17,000 tenants the opportunity to start a business from home. The plans could make the local authority one of the first in the country to encourage tenants to start their own business at home without the hassle of paying for costly office space.
The council said residents would be fully consulted on the change, which should enable people to run businesses ranging from web design to being full-time sellers on eBay. But people will be prevented from setting up businesses that would have a negative impact on their neighbours, such as fast food outlets or motorbike repairs.
Stephen Greenhalgh, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, who set up a medical education and publishing company with his father, said: "I started my own business and know how hard you have to work to get it off the ground and keep it viable. We want to sweep away the barmy rules that hinder council tenants."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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