Minutes:
The Empty Homes Officer was welcomed to the meeting to speak about the work to support the return of empty homes back into use. Members and officers locally had been contacted to develop a greater understanding of the problematic properties.
1,600 properties had been identified throughout the borough and a variety of support was available for property owners. This included advice on probate, renting and how to sell. If the house was in disrepair, grants or loans were available, subject to conditions, to bring the property back into use. Help was also available for tenants and landlords in the form of support packs to ensure they were aware of their rights and obligations.
The officer provided details of the work undertaken with partner organisations working in the area in order to bring properties back into use.
Members heard how enforcement action could be used, and details were given about a sale being enforced locally. Assurances were given that any costs incurred by the Council would be recouped following the sale.
The possibility of using Compulsory Purchase Orders was discussed, however it was noted that this could be costly.
Officers were working closely with colleagues within Council Tax in order to take appropriate action with empty property owners, who were in arrears with their Council Tax.
It was suggested that a multi-agency group be convened to discuss the range of housing issues in the area, current intervention, and how partners can work better together to address the problem.
RESOLVED:-
(i) That thanks be given to the Empty Homes Officer for their work in the area and their attendance at the meeting;
(ii) That details of the empty properties in the area, and action to be taken be taken be forwarded to Members; and
(iii) That a multi-agency group be convened to discuss the best approaches to
the housing issues in the area.