Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the Long Term Empty Property Strategy 2021-2026.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member: Housing, Enforcement & Transport presented the report of the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure.  The report provided an update on the steps the Council had taken to bring long term empty properties back into use.

The strategy outlined a target to return a minimum of 375 long term empty properties back to residential use. The report outlined the various approaches that had been used to return properties to use. There were a further 128 empty properties identified by the Council, including 4 which had been empty for over 20 years.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and noted that empty properties attracted fly tipping and anti-social behaviour. Empty properties were a wasted housing opportunity.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The actions undertaken in respect of the Long-Term Empty Property Strategy be noted;

b)   The use of compulsory purchase powers and enforced sale powers to deliver the aims of the strategy be endorsed and that Authority be Delegated to the Director: Policy & Governance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member: Housing, Enforcement & Transport, to approve any policy or procedure relating to enforced sale and to take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of any CPO powers in furtherance of the Long-Term Empty Property Strategy.