23 May 2003
Councils could be given powers to take charge of empty homes and rent them to families in need.
Proposals to make better use of England's 300,000 long-standing empty homes were outlined on May 22 by junior housing minister Tony McNulty.
A series of new powers could be given to local authorities, ranging from voluntary leasing with the owner's consent to taking temporary management control. Properties would be returned later in good condition.
Speaking at a conference organised by the Empty Homes Agency and the Social Market Foundation in London, McNulty said: 'Bringing empty homes back into use will provide much-needed housing and reduce the impact of development on urban fringes and the countryside.'
Four local authorities are already testing voluntary leasing schemes where the council rents out empty homes.
The new powers, some of which require legislation, are contained in a consultation document, Empty homes: temporary management, lasting solutions.
According to the Empty Homes Agency, more than 80% of vacant properties are privately owned.
Tom Startup, housing policy specialist at the Social Market Foundation, said: 'The huge number of long-term empty properties continues to be a serious waste of resources and a striking case of market failure.'
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