Mark Whitehead 15 November 2019

Calls for councils to be given more power over empty properties

A major union has called for councils to be allowed to take over empty properties to house people on waiting lists.

The GMB's London region says landlords and foreign investors would be encouraged not to leave properties empty if they knew councils had the power to put tenants in them.

The union says local authorities should build more council homes at affordable rents, but meanwhile they should be given powers to use already existing housing stock which has been empty for prolonged periods.

The demand follows a study by the union comparing the number of long-term vacant dwellings – empty for at least six months – in each borough last year with numbers on waiting lists.

It found there were 22,481 long-term vacant dwellings in the capital, 2,244 more than the year before, while at the same time there were 232,409 households on local authority housing waiting lists.

The borough of Southwark had the highest number in the capital, 1,766, while it had 6,778 people on its waiting list.

GMB regional secretary, Warren Kenny, said: 'Property owners knowing that councils had such powers would be a big incentive for these owners to keep properties occupied.

'It would also reduce the incentive for overseas investors investing in buy to leave empty to do so.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner