Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee has endorsed a strategy which sets out how empty private homes will be dealt with.
The ‘Private Sector Empty Homes Strategy 2023 – 28’ sets out the Council’s plans to tackle the issue of high number of empty homes in the county borough. It also sets out a range of initiatives available to the Council to help owners bring their empty homes back into use.
A 6 week public consultation exercise was undertaken where residents were asked to give their views on proposals contained within the draft strategy. Of those who responded, 92% agreed that the return to use of empty homes should be a priority.
Cllr Shayne Cook, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said “My thanks to everyone who took the time to give their views as part of the consultation; this feedback is vital in helping us shape our approach to tackling this issue.
“We understand that long term empty homes not only affect the aesthetics of local communities, but can also become magnets for anti-social behaviour. We are amidst a national housing crisis and bringing empty homes back into beneficial use is vital in helping to meet need.”
The draft strategy will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet in March. A copy of the draft can found here.
To find out about the support available to owners of empty properties call the Council’s dedicated team on 01443 811378 or email [email protected]
