Council takes Action on Empty Homes (20/10/06)

A roadshow that aims to highlight the problems that empty homes can cause will hit Leighton Buzzard town centre on Tuesday (24 October) as part of the National Week of Action for Empty Homes. An officer from South Bedfordshire District Councils private sector housing team will represent the Herts, Beds and Bucks Empty Homes Forum at the roadshow, which will be held outside the Old Fire Station between 10am and 2pm.

Officers will be giving out information about how they are tackling the problem of empty homes, what incentives they are offering to help private owners bring their homes back into use and the enforcement powers they are using when all else fails.

There are currently 443 homes that have been empty for more than six months across South Bedfordshire. The council is taking action to bring these properties back into use as soon as possible.

Executive Member with responsibility to housing, Councillor Peter Rawcliffe said: "By bringing empty homes back into use we will improve local areas and provide more homes in the district without increasing the demand for the development of the countryside.

"If you own an empty home and are unsure what to do with it, please get in touch with the private sector housing team who will be glad to discuss the options that are available to you. If you are aware of a particular property that is laying empty, give us a call so we can try to find the owners and encourage them to bring the property back into use."

Thousands of empty homes across the UK are proving to be a blight on the local community and living next door to an empty property can cause a nuisance to neighbours, they can be a danger if they are vandalised, decrease the value of nearby homes and are a waste of valuable accommodation.

Visitors to the roadshow can also find out more information about Empty

Dwelling Management Orders, a new power allowing local authorities to let out long term empty homes where the owner has taken no steps to bring the property back into use voluntarily, for a period of up to seven years without the consent of the owner. This would be used as a last resort but is a new power that local authorities can now use.

Anyone who would like to report an empty home, or would like information about bringing a property back into use can call private sector housing 01582 474064.

For more information call the communications team on 01582 474014.