Positive effect on empty homes

South Holland District Council has made a noticeable contribution to reducing the number of empty homes.
In the first five months of this year, 133 properties were brought back into use – 52 of which were only brought back into use following the direct intervention of the council’s private sector housing team.
The number of empty homes has showing a steady improvement. In October 2015, there were 258 empty properties within the district. This was a reduction of 13 from the previous year.
At May 31 this year, there were 224 empty properties, of which:
141 have been empty for between six months and two years;
83 have been empty for more than two years.
Members of the council’s policy development panel heard on Tuesday that four “priority cases” may result in legal action being taken by the council, including including use of compulsory purchase powers, or an enforced sale. Until recently, there was a fifth case, but work with a mortgage provider resulted in the property being repossessed, following intervention by the housing team.
A report also said: “Resources will be directed towards the 83 properties which have been empty for over two years and to publicise and encourage owners and other stakeholders to engage positively with SHDC.”