Purpose

To approve the Empty Homes Strategy

Decision

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

 That the Executive:

a)       Approved the Empty Homes Strategy and the operational approach intended to be taken by Officers in Private Sector Housing when adopting it.

b)       Reviewed and noted the comments and conclusions made in Appendix A, as the Strategy has been subject to public consultation with stakeholders, including all known long term empty homeowners.

Reason for Recommendations: The recommended course of action is the most pragmatic and consistent approach to accord with legislation and national best practice.

Alternative Options Considered: There are no alternative options other than to have no strategy in place, which would leave the Officers with no framework to fall back on throughout the course of their work in trying to manage empty properties.