NEWSROOM

In its new Empty Homes Strategy, which members will be asked to approve at next week's Cabinet meeting, the Council has outlined plans to increase its target for the number of empty homes it brings back into use.

In 2021, the Council set itself a target to bring 375 empty homes back into use by 2026. Not only was that target reached early, but the actual number of homes that are no longer sitting empty as a result of the strategy is at 386.

This has helped to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in areas blighted by empties by 41 per cent, as well as recovered £76,000 in debt owed to the Council and provided homes for hundreds of local people and their families including some of our most vulnerable.

The Council's work, which has gained national recognition, has involved  a combination of early intervention, advice and support, and enforcement. This has included working closely with property owners to find tailored solutions, taking legal action where necessary, and collaborating with partners to acquire and refurbish long-term empty and redundant properties for local people.

Building on the success of the previous strategy, the Council now aims to bring a further 400 empty homes back into use by 2031.

Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said:

"We smashed our target under the last strategy and, as one of the few authorities tackling this issue head-on, we are committed to continuing this work and confident we can build on that success.

"Like many places across the country, and despite our work to date, we are still seeing an increase in the number of homes that are left empty for long periods of time.

"We know these homes can blight neighbourhoods, contribute to problems such as fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, and have a negative impact on local communities. Just as importantly, every empty property is a home that could be helping to meet the housing needs of a local resident.

"Over the next five years, our strategy outlines how we'll continue to tackle this issue while listening to what matters most to our communities. Bringing empty homes back into use helps meet local housing needs, while making the most of existing properties and complementing wider investment in housing across the Borough.

"We can't achieve this alone. Our teams often work alongside private property owners and the families of deceased homeowners to find bespoke solutions.

"Protecting, caring for and investing in our Borough includes increasing the supply of affordable homes, helping to ensure that every child, young person and adult has the opportunity to live well in their community."

A resident on the success of the strategy, comments:

"I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the Empty Homes Strategy. Over the years, the team has worked with a number of landlords and property owners to bring derelict properties back into use, many of which are now occupied.

"I personally thank the team for everything they've done. In challenging estates such as Sutton Hill, they've done a terrific job transforming these houses back into family homes."