Campaign launched to fill empty homes

With unemployment rising, house building at a record low, and council housing waiting lists rising, we believe it is vital that the government takes action to help landlords fill empty homes.

Our campaign, Empty Promise, is asking for three clear measures:

• VAT – a cut in VAT on repairs and maintenance to 5 per cent. This would make it more attractive for owners to invest in an empty home to make it habitable, or for a potential buyer to make an offer.
• Grant – use cash from the existing Homes and Communities Agency budget for social landlords to buy and repair long-term empty properties.
• Guidance – clearer advice from the government to help councils use empty dwelling management orders

To get involved please email us expressing your support, and also send us images and stories about empty homes in your area. You’ll be able to keep up to date with progress by checking our campaign webpage.