Purpose

To seek Executive approval for the adoption of the Empty Homes Strategy.

The Empty Homes Strategy provides an overview of the amount and type of empty homes in the Borough, together with two objectives relating to the Council’s approach to long-term empty properties.  The Strategy acknowledges the detrimental issues that can arise from a small number of empty homes and articulates the importance of proportionate and appropriate action in addressing these cases.

On 15 May 2023 the Executive approved that the Draft Empty Homes Strategy be subject to a period of public consultation.  That consultation is now complete with the majority of responses positive as to the approach and objectives contained in the draft document.

An Equality Impact Assessment has been undertaken and the Strategy is now recommended for adoption.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees that:

(a)  the Empty Homes Strategy, as provided at Appendix A to the report, be adopted; and

(b)  the Director of Housing be authorised to add detail to the Strategy to reflect the adoption date.