Mark Whitehead 09 October 2018

Council slams MoD for empty homes

The MoD has been accused of denying families a home after leaving dozens of houses unoccupied and falling into disrepair.

Canterbury City Council accuses the ministry of 'utterly negligent behaviour' over the 33 modern houses on a former barracks estate.

It says repairs to the properties will leave the taxpayer with bills of hundreds of thousands of pounds because of vandalism, and the cost is rising.

The properties at Howe Barracks, which closed in 2015, are owned by a property company and were leased to the MoD.

The council says it understands they are now being handed back to the company and it will hold urgent talks over bringing them back into use.

Council leader Simon Cook said: 'This is utterly negligent behaviour by the Ministry of Defence.

'They have denied many families a home and our view is that they should be ashamed of what’s happened.

'Sadly the MoD has shown total disinterest in negotiating with us and no understanding of how important this issue is to us and our residents.

'Despite our constant chasing, it has been impossible to get them to engage on any serious level.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Customer Service Officer (Outreach Library Service)

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band C SCP 5-8 (£24,790 - £25,992) pro rata
We are looking to recruit for a Customer Service Officer to join an established team at Sandwell Libraries - Outreach Library Service. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Tree and Landscape Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band G SCP 32-37 (£41,511 - £46,731 per annum)
Shape the future of Sandwell’s green spaces and environment. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Recruitment Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£28,521 - £38,058
Following a recent restructure, we’re focused on redefining the way we grow and thrive - together. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Drug and Alcohol Support Worker - Multi Disciplinary Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave pa & Local Gov Pen
Drug and Alcohol Support Worker - Multi Disciplinary TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Governor Officer Clerk

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£36,125 - £38,643
We are looking for a Governor Officer Clerk to work within a well-established team on a casual basis Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner