Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager.

People Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 6 June 2019 and its comments will be reported.

The Portfolio Holder, Supporting People, presented the report which set out the new 2019-2022 Empty Homes Strategy including the key objectives, actions and methodology for achieving them. She explained the importance of having an empty homes strategy which set out the measured targets, links with other departments to provide a joined up housing service and the potential of increased revenue through the use of new homes bonus.

People Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 6 June 2019 and its comments were reported.

The contents of the strategy were supported, with officers being wished success with its implementation.

RECOMMENDED that the Executive support and the Council adopt the 2019-2022 Empty Homes Strategy.

To consider the report of the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager/Director (JY)

The Environmental Health and Licensing Manager presented the report setting out the new 2019-2022 Empty Homes Strategy including key objectives, actions and methodology of achieving them.

At the end of 2018, Exeter City Council had 403 long term empty homes and approximately 1,000 households registered on Devon Home Choice looking for accommodation in Exeter, representing 0.76% homes in Exeter being classed as long term empty, below the England average of 0.82%.The overarching aim was “To bring Exeter’s empty homes back into use as lived in homes”.

The strategy set out an increasing annual target of bringing empty homes back into use with the action plan setting out objectives of increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing in the city and continuing to raiseawareness and address issues relating toempty homes. It would have a positive impact on neighbourhoods by returning empty homes to occupation, thus reducing homelessness and the incidence of anti-social behaviour. There were positive financial implications for the Council through New Homes Bonus paid for newly created or returned to use units of housing and through Council Tax by correctly registering properties and therefore paying the right level of council tax

People - Scrutiny Committee noted and supported the report and recommended Executive and Counciladopt the 2019-2022 Empty Homes Strategy.