New proposals empowering local authorities to tackle thousands of long-standing empty homes across Essex were launched last week.
A government consultation paper outlines a range of options enabling councils to take temporary management control of privately owned empty homes in defined circumstances.
The power would act as a back up to voluntary leasing schemes, already operating in some areas of the country, without unduly penalising owners.
Since April 1 2002, 444 private sector dwellings in Chelmsford have been vacant for more than six months.
But under the new proposals, aimed at tackling housing shortages, these would be leased out to people in need of homes.
Launching the consultation during National Week of Action on Empty Homes, Tony McNulty, the Housing Minister, said: "Empty homes blight communities. They are a magnet for vandals and tie up the resources of local authorities and the emergency services.
"Bringing them back to use will provide much-needed housing and reduce the impact of development on urban fringes and the countryside."
He added: "Everybody wins because this policy targets wasting assets, making them useful again for those who need them most. These proposals have nothing to do with second homes or holiday homes, which are not empty in the sense of being void, abandoned or unused."
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2003
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