Councils can now access more support to help them tackle long-term empty homes thanks to a new toolkit from the Local Government Association (LGA).
The LGA said the sector has been calling for a ‘more agile and accessible’ resource for officers against the background of a 10% increase in long-term empty homes over the past five years.
The new Empty Homes Officers Toolkit, designed in partnership with the Empty Homes Network, includes a guide to identifying empty homes, implementing an empty homes database, and progressing cases effectively.
‘Long-term empty homes are a major issue for councils. They represent a missed opportunity to provide housing for those in need and those on housing waiting lists,’ said Cllr Adam Hug, Housing spokesperson for the LGA.
‘This toolkit will give Empty Homes Officers the practical tools they need to bring more properties back into use and support councils in tackling the issue more effectively.’
