Agenda item

This report outlines the current situation in respect of long term empty private properties along with details of the Council’s approach in dealing with such properties. 

Discussion:

The Committee received a report which outlined the current situation in respect of long term empty private properties along with details of the Council’s approach to dealing with such properties.

Members then raised a number of issues and questions including:

·                    Loss of Empty Homes and Energy Efficiency Team - Members noted and welcomed the improving position with regard to the percentage of total private sector homes vacant for more than 6 months but queried the impact of the loss of the empty homes and energy efficiency team. The view was expressed that ward Members often felt that no action was taken when they reported empty properties to officers and that there may be some value in assessing the benefit and value to the Council of employing a dedicated officer. The Housing Strategy Manager advised that as a consequence of changes to the regime for energy efficiency (now back with central government) and the disestablishment of the Regional Housing Board which provided grants and loans for landlords, the core of the work previously undertaken by this team had disappeared. The work associated with the small number of prosecutions of landlords of empty properties was continuing but was now undertaken by the private sector housing team. There had been an increase in the number of inspections commissioned by the Housing Benefits and Revenue team which was helping to identify empty properties as well as a new requirement for Community Wardens to report back where they identified empty properties. The improvement in the housing market was also likely to help. He stated there would always be some empty properties and would be happy to examine any specific cases at ward level to see whether they were not being caught by the definition of “empty”.

·                    Long-term empty private homes – Officers were asked to provide all Members with a ward by ward breakdown of, and the reasons for, the 823 long term empty properties.

·                    Engagement by Housing Associations – Members were interested to know how many Housing Associations in Medway were assisting in bringing empty properties back into use and it was noted that some Associations had very small portfolios; some with only two or three properties in total. The Housing Strategy Manager explained that the average grant available to Housing Associations for property renovation was £20, 000 which was not enough to bring properties, and particularly older properties, up to the required standard. 

·                    Council Tax Exemption - the Chief Finance Officer advised that the Council now applied a three month exemption from Council Tax to empty properties but there was scope to apply a penalty rate which had been taken up by other local authorities, with a 150% charge in some areas. Whilst noting this may disincentivise Private Sector Landlords from advising the Council about empty properties and could prove difficult to collect, the Committee felt it would be worth investigating further.

·                    Large buildings – a Member reported the closure of two public houses in his ward and the consequential problems including anti-social behaviour, criminal activity and fires. The Housing Strategy Manager confirmed the Council did have powers in relation to insecure properties and would respond where appropriate.

Decision:

(a)       That the report be noted;

(b)       That the Chief Finance Officer investigate the possibility of introducing a penalty Council Tax rate on empty properties; and

(c)        That all Members be provided with a ward by ward breakdown of, and the reasons for, the 823 long term empty properties in Medway.