Issue - meetings

Report of Commercial Director

Purpose of report

To provide Members with an update on the first 12 months work of the Empty Homes Project, based within the Private Sector Housing Team.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To note the progress of owner engagement with the project.

1.2         To note the proposals for use of enforcement powers to bring empty properties back into use.

1.3         To note the added value of addressing vacant properties to the Council.

Resolved

(1)          That the progress of owner engagement with the project be noted.

(2)          That the proposals for use of enforcement powers to bring empty properties back into use be noted.

(3)          That the added value of addressing vacant properties to the Council be noted.

The Commercial Director submitted a report to provide Members with an update on the first 12 months work of the Empty Homes Project, based within the Private Sector Housing Team.

Resolved

(1)          That the progress of owner engagement with the project be noted.

(2)          That the proposals for use of enforcement powers to bring empty properties back into use be noted.

(3)          That the added value of addressing vacant properties to the Council be noted.

Reasons

The Empty Homes Project has successfully engaged with owners of the longest term void properties. Whilst it should be noted that these properties will take time to come back into use, owners do now have plans and are positively pursuing their options.

It is hoped that through regular engagement with owners of homes that are just 6 months properties will not become stuck, falling into disrepair and causing concern for neighbours and wider amenity issues.

The estimated income from the first year of the Empty Homes Project is in the region of £75,960 from New Homes Bonus over the 6 year payment period. This is as a result of tackling the longest-term void properties and supporting owners where there has been no activity at the property for a long period.

Alternative options

None