The number of empty council homes has fallen for the ninth successive year, environment minister Robert Jones annou...
The number of empty council homes has fallen for the ninth successive year, environment minister Robert Jones announced today.
'I want to see the best use of existing council stock. An empty house is a wasted resource which could provide a home for people who need it.
'I am pleased to announce that, in response to the government's encouragement, local authorities have maintained the progress made in recent years. For the ninth successive year, there has been a drop in the number of empty homes.
'As at 1 April 1994, the total number of empty council homes stood at some 70,300, representing 1.9% of the stock. This is a 40% reduction since 1985, when the number stood at over 116,000.
'Within the overall total, `management vacants' - those ready for occupation immediately or after minor works - stood at some 40,600. Management vacants provide an indication of the empty homes available to meet housing need.
'I look to local authorities to sustain their efforts to keep their own empty dwellings to a minimum and to develop strategies which help to bring empty properties in all tenures back into use.'
You might also like...
Homes above shops planned as high street redevelopment fund announced
Local authorities are to receive an additional £675m in co-funding to help redevelop their local high streets, the chancellor has announced.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen purchases airport in £40m deal
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen (Con) has agreed a deal to bring Durham Tees Valley Airport back into public ownership and “make this airport great again”.
Ministry seeks applications to help high street regeneration
Public and private landowners have been invited to submit bids to a government programme which aims to set up community spaces for groups who are unable to afford a full lease.
LGA mulls problem of 'industrial' flytippers
Councils are considering a beefed-up campaign to address the growing problem of “organised flytipping”.
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions.
Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.