A SCHEME to crack down on rogue landlords in Southampton could be extended to other areas of the city.

The initiative to licence houses of multiple occupation (HMO) in Bargate, Bevois Valley, Portswood and Swaythling was launched last year.

And now civic chiefs want to extend the licensing to smaller shared houses in Freemantle, Shirley, Millbrook and Bassett.

Labour council bosses say the scheme, which sees landlords pay five-yearly fees of up to £400, has allowed them to tackle irresponsible landlords, drive up standards in shared housing and tackle concerns such as antisocial behaviour, noise and waste.