07 January 2000
However, some social landlords are unwilling to admit that the fall in demand is anything more than a 'blip' and try to tackle the problem using 'firefighting' measures rather than examining the underlying causes.
Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University studied 18 local authorities and housing associations – mostly in the Midlands and the North.
Dr David Robinson, one of three researchers, said landlords must look at the future of whole neighbourhoods rather than focusing on the number of properties standing empty. 'Rather than being concerned about rental income, they should be more interested in securing future investment so that they don't throw good money after bad,' he said.
The report, Changing Demand, Changing Neighbourhoods: The Response of Social Landlords, published on January 5, criticises regulators for penalising landlords with large numbers of empty houses or with a high turnover of tenants.
PFjan2000
