Martin Ford 07 June 2021

Call for powers to use empty properties for homeless families

Call for powers to use empty properties for homeless families image

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for powers to make use of empty properties to provide accommodation for homeless people.

The call has been made in the wake of the end to the evictions ban put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting concerns of a surge in homelessness.

Homelessness charity Shelter has found 1.8 million renters in the private sector in England – almost one in four – are concerned about losing their home at short notice.

The LGA has called for changes to council powers to enable them to acquire empty houses for homeless families to move them out of temporary accommodation.

In addition to Compulsory Purchase Orders, councils can currently make use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMO) to use properties that have been empty for six months for housing.

However, the LGA has said the process for using EDMOs is too ‘complex’ and needs to be ‘simplified’.

There are 268,385 homes that have been empty for more than six months, according to Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government data.

The LGA’s housing spokesperson Cllr David Renard said he acknowledged the evictions ban cannot continue ‘indefinitely’, but more measures such as powers to acquire empty properties were required to mitigate its effects.

‘Lifting the ban will leave some households at the cliff-edge of becoming homeless,’ he said.

‘This is why it is essential we ensure there is a safety net of support in place to prevent this from happening.’

The LGA has also called for the promised ban on no fault evictions to be introduced, an increase to local welfare funding to at least £250m and for the £20 per week increase in Universal Credit to continue beyond September.

In the longer term, the association has said more housing for social rent should be built.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner