Borough Council acts over 1,800 empty homes

Erewash Borough Council is contacting the owners of 1,800 homes that are lying empty across the borough – as it seeks to find out why a quarter have been unoccupied for more than two years amid a local housing shortage.

The authority is keen to explore with owners what it can do to help get the properties inhabited again.

The move – announced to coincide with National Empty Homes Week – comes ahead of council tax changes that are being brought in as a disincentive to leaving houses vacant.

A housing official said: “There are many reasons that a home may be empty for a short time. For example, it may be on the market or undergoing works. Other homes are exempt from council tax for a range of reasons, such as when the owner is receiving care elsewhere or lives in a care home.

“However, one quarter of empty homes in Erewash have been unoccupied for over two years. There is a housing shortage in Erewash and many people need a home – so bringing empty ones back into use can help address local need.”

Rebecca Moore, director of the charity Action on Empty Homes, praised the borough council for tackling the issue – adding: “Empty homes negatively impact communities and neighbourhoods.” 

She said that when existing properties are not being used it can lead to people questioning why new homes need to be built. Rebecca said: “It is against this background and amidst an acute housing crisis that we all strive to persuade owners to bring as many homes back into use as we can, and to ensure that any naturally occurring vacancy is not prolonged.”

Councillor Curtis Howard, who is Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “Amidst the housing crisis, I’ve had contact from many Erewash residents asking the council to take action against empty homes. While there are fairly few empty homes, especially long-term, the council has listened to these residents and will take reasonable, considered measures to bring them back into use.

"Erewash has never once met its housing targets since their introduction in 2011 – so anything we can do to increase available housing supply in the borough, even a little bit, is a positive step.”