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18/03/08 : New Empty Homes Strategy Launched
Reading’s Labour Council first launched an Empty Homes Strategy in 1992, when there were over 2,500 empty properties across the Borough, and previous work by the Council brought 500 of them back into use.
Now, there are only about 90 properties in Reading that have been empty for a period of six months or more – and this is well below national and regional average figures.
Although the number of properties is small - much much smaller than Reading Liberal Democrats are claiming – the issue remains important. Empty properties can attract crime, anti-social behaviour and are often used for drug taking with knock on effects being felt across entire neighbourhoods. Getting homes that have been left vacant back into use not only puts a roof over people's heads, but can also contribute towards creating more sustainable communities.
The new strategy has been produced because the Council feels that the current methods to encourage property owners to bring properties back into use are having little effect on this small residue of empty properties.
John Ennis, Labour Lead Councillor for Housing, says: "Some empty homes may be part of the normal property market turnover but this strategy targets properties standing empty for significant periods. We will always try and work with the owner to find the most suitable solution for each case: if he can't afford to do essential repairs, for example, we may be able to offer an Empty Homes Grant to bring the property back to use."
And under new legislation passed by the Labour Government, local authorities have powers as a last resort use Empty Dwelling Management Orders - or EDMOs – which allow the local authority to take on temporary management of a property until essential repairs are made or the property can be sold.
“This is an issue which Labour has always taken seriously,” John says, “and I am glad the numbers are as small as they are I would like to see them smaller yet”.
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