London borough brings 172 empty homes back into use

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Wandsworth Council says it has brought 172 long-term private sector empty properties back into use since 2008 using enforcement action and grant funding.

The council claims it now has one of the lowest levels of empty, privately-owned homes in London.

It revealed it has 404 council tax-registered private properties that have been vacant for over six months – 284 of these have been empty for more than 12 months.

It claims some boroughs are home to more than 1,000 properties, reported as being long-term empties.

According to Halifax there were 292,313 long-term empty private homes in England in April 2011, a decline of 3,206 (1.1%) from 295,519 in April 2010.

It's thought there are around 70,500 private and public sector vacant homes in London alone.

Wandsworth’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Paul Ellis, said: “We are not afraid to step in if properties in the borough are left derelict for long periods of time – and if owners won't accept our help we will take definitive action to bring them back into use, including issuing CPOs.

“Wandsworth Council is one of the most successful authorities in London when it comes to keeping the number of long-term private sector empty homes down – and we intend to make sure this doesn’t change.

“We are always open to working with property owners to get houses habitable again so if any homeowners want to find out what practical help is available I would urge them to contact our officers.”

The Government recently allocated £100m via the Homes and Communities Agency for bringing empty properties back into use. From April this year the Greater London Authority will be responsible for the London element – estimated to be £15m.

Wandsworth says it is currently participating in a South West London sub regional Housing Partnership bid for funding.

The council says that property owners may be eligible to apply for a grant or loan to help meet the cost of major works or repair – providing it has been empty for at least six months.