MP Des Turner's bid to introduce legislation to tackle fuel poverty and Rising Damp-style landlords has cleared a major hurdle in the Commons.
The Brighton Kemp Town member said he was delighted his Home Energy Conservation Bill had successfully completed its second reading.
During a five-hour debate, he won the support of Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs.
Dr Turner said: "I am absolutely delighted to have got this far and to secure cross-party support."
The Bill will make the licensing of bedsits, shared houses and other houses of multiple occupation compulsory. The licences will only be handed out to properties satisfying minimum energy efficiency standards.
The properties would also have to meet fire safety standards and guidelines for landlord management, and basic amenities.
Dr Turner said it would end fuel poverty by reducing heating bills. Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper gave his backing to the Bill, which will protect 25,000 people living in houses of multiple occupation in Brighton and Hove alone.
He said: "This will strengthen the hand of the many responsible local authorities and landlords that we are all well aware of."
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