Minister backs action on empty homes

In the foreword to a guide published with the Empty Homes Agency, Ms Beckett writes: ‘I believe that with an increased focus and more consistent approach, we can bring even more homes back into use, making an essential contribution to the supply of affordable housing.

‘With house building slowing in the current challenging economic climate, that is more important than ever.’

The guide makes it clear that local authorities should attempt to track down the owners of empty properties, using professional search agencies if necessary. It also explains how to use empty dwelling management orders to take control of a property if the owner is not cooperating.

EDMOs were introduced in 2006, but have been used less than 20 times. They allow local authorities to take over the management of an empty property to bring it back into use.

The guidance says they should be used as a last resort, and notes that the threat of an EDMO can often be effective. But it also gives examples of where orders have been used successfully, and advice on how they can work.

Ms Beckett said: ‘The new guidance helps strengthen the role of councils by setting out the broad powers they have to deal with empty homes, and is part of the range of actions we are taking to support the regeneration of our towns and cities.’

Empty Homes Agency chief executive David Ireland said: ‘Local authorities have the power to be great at helping return empty homes to use. Some already are, but with the recession causing more homes to fall empty it has never been more important for all councils to do more.

‘New homes from empty properties can help meet some of the need left by falling house building rates. I’m delighted that the minister is supporting this guidance and urge local authorities to take her challenge to take more proactive action.’

Inside Housing is running a campaign calling for empty homes to be brought back into use. For more information see our campaign page. You can express your support by signing our petition or emailing emptypromise@insidehousing.co.uk

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