Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Head of Housing Services.

It was RESOLVED to adopt the Empty Homes Strategy 2017-2022.

The report of the Head of Housing Services was presented to the Executive for approval. 

The Leader as the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Social Services reported that the Empty Homes Strategy is the second strategy for the Housing Services to produce.  The strategy was developed in consultation with key partners.  She wished to thank the Officers who have been involved in the completion of the empty homes strategy of the Council.

The Head of Housing Services said that currently around 800 homes are empty for six months or more.  Over the past four years nearly 400 properties have been returned to use due to the work of the Empty Homes Service.  She referred to the waiting list for social housing and the need for such empty properties to be available to meet the housing needs on the Island.

The Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee said that discussions were undertaken at the Corporate Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on 26 June, 2016 as regard to the Empty Homes Strategy.  He referred to comments made at the Committee as to the impact of the proposed new nuclear power station on housing needs on the Island. 

It was RESOLVED to adopt the Empty Homes Strategy 2017-2022.