Councillor fined for failing to licence HMO

A councillor has been suspended from her political group after being prosecuted and fined for an offence relating to a property she managed.

Faith Gakanje-Ajala, who represents Bilborough for the Nottingham People's Alliance (NPA) opposition group, was found guilty of failing to licence a House of Multiple Occupation.

Landlords in the city are required to get a licence from the council's additional licensing scheme, which ensures shared homes meet minimum safety, management, and amenity standards.

At Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 6 May, she was fined £7,500, and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and costs of £1,037.50.

Gakanje-Ajala was prosecuted by the city council's safer housing team over the property in Darnal Close, between Bestwood and Top Valley, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

She quit the Labour Party in October to join the new NPA group.

Kirsty Jones, the leader of the NPA, said: "On Monday evening, we were made aware of the legal action taken against councillor Faith Gakanje‑Ajala in her personal capacity, and of her stated intention to appeal the decision.

"To ensure due process, Nottingham People's Alliance Group has taken the decision to suspend councillor Gakanje‑Ajala from the group pending further investigation."

In April 2024, a response to a Freedom of Information request revealed Gakanje-Ajala had council tax arrears totalling £4,295.69, the LDRS said.

She denied she owed the council money at the time.

Council leader Neghat Khan said: "This prosecution sends a clear message, that no one is above the law, regardless of your status."

Gakanje-Ajala has been approached for comment.

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