Councillors are backing the compulsory leasing of empty homes to tackle a rising tide of homelessness.
The proposals, in which councils would be given the right to take over empty private properties, refurbish them and lease them to homeless people or key workers before handing them back to their owners, is likely to be announced by the Government this week.
Reg Copley, Labour housing spokesman said: "Whatever the Government's consultation paper contains, the Labour Group will continue pressing Southend's Conservative administration to make the most of any opportunities it contains."
Labour councillors believe their proposals received a boost when Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, used compulsory leasing to form part of his blueprint for tackling the housing crisis.
Gwen Horrigan, executive councillor for housing, said: "Anything that gives homes for the enormous number of people that we have on the waiting list must be supported wholeheartedly."
Published Wednesday, May 21, 2003
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