An investigation into empty homes in Scotland and how they can be brought back into use is to be conducted by MSPs.
Holyrood’s Local Government and Communities Committee will investigate why 4% of dwellings in Scotland are unoccupied.
The new inquiry will examine the scale of the issue, the effectiveness of current legislation and what more can be done to prevent properties remaining empty for extended periods of time.
Committee convener, James Dornan, said: ‘The Committee will explore the extent of the problem and the impact this can have in both urban and rural communities across Scotland.
‘We want to ensure local authorities have appropriate powers to tackle this issue and that everything possible is being done to encourage owners to put these empty homes back into use. To do this we want to hear from local authorities, housing experts and those who have been impacted by empty homes in their communities.’
