Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Communities enclosed.

Decision made

That Cabinet approves the updated Empty Property Policy 2021 as detailed at Appendix A to the report.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health and Wellbeing) presented a report of the Director of Communities seeking approval of a new Empty Properties Policy.

Arising from queries by a member regarding grants available per bedroom, the Chief Executive explained that there was £39,000 in the Capital Programme none of which had been spent in the last 2 years. £4,500 would be available per bedroom.

The Director of Communities confirmed that a property must be empty for twelve months to qualify.

The Chief Executive clarified that they would welcome information from ward councillors as a steer as regards prioritising issues.

Decision made

That Cabinet approves the updated Empty Property Policy 2021 as detailed at Appendix A to the report.

Reasons for Decision

This decision enables the Council to maintain a robust Empty Property Policy which reflects the current market conditions.

The refreshed Empty Properties Policy (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) builds on the work already carried out to manage empty homes which is based on impact, risk, and the public interest test but strengthens the current approach to address the demise of Methodist Action NW and details the Council’s approach to providing informal advice and guidance before proceeding to formal enforcement.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The alternative options considered were:-

1.Only use enforcement action - This would not provide any alternative for owners of empty properties to enable them to bring them back into use and many may not be able to afford the work required. This would cost the Council a considerable amount in funding and resources to bring any enforcement action to fruition. To date the Council has completed only 1 Compulsory Purchase order which has taken in excess of 5 years and cost a considerable amount.

2. Provide assistance only - This would require the Council to entice owners into renovating their properties and then bringing them back into use. The council would need to have a robust system to monitor this has taken place and other than bringing the property back into use the council would not gain any further benefit.

3. Do Nothing - This option would require no action from the Council on Empty Properties, which would not be a viable option given the increases in empty properties in the borough.