People owning empty properties are being encouraged to bring them back into use for the benefit of the local community during Empty Homes Week 2023 – which begins today.
It’s a chance for councils to demonstrate the action they are taking to bring empty homes back into use, as well as offer residents advice on managing empty properties.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is backing the national event and is asking residents to help prevent empty homes negatively impacting their community by reporting them at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/no-use-empty
The council is also highlighting how it can help owners bring empty homes back into use with grants, loans, VAT reductions and tailored support.
The latest data from Action on Empty Homes shows that in 2022 the number of long-term empty properties rose in every region of England, except the North West where figures remain static. The South West was among three regions to see the biggest rises of 10%.
However, the council’s initiatives on bringing empty homes back into use has meant that Bath and North East Somerset saw a 6% fall in the number of empty properties in 2022.
The council has been invited to present at the national Empty Homes Network conference in May to share examples of best practice and help other authorities implement similar systems.
Councillor Tom Davies, cabinet member for Adult Services and Council House Building, said: “National Empty Homes Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight the exemplary work we’re doing in Bath and North East Somerset and raise awareness that owners of empty properties can come to us for help. Empty homes are a valuable resource that are going to waste when housing availability is so important. We know that dealing with an empty property can be overwhelming, but it’s important to act because the home can lose substantial value as well as become the focus for crime and antisocial behaviour.
“We also encourage residents to notify us of empty properties that have become a concern – we depend on these reports so that we can work with the owners to transform the home to a much needed asset in the community.”
To discuss any of the empty property assistance available, please contact the Empty Property Officer at empty_properties@bathnes.gov.uk
Find out more about the council’s No Use Empty services.
