Decision details

The Housing Scrutiny Committee undertook a public interest test and resolved by 4 votes to 3 to exclude members of the public from the meeting on the grounds that, if they were present, there would be disclosure to them of information defined as exempt from publication by virtue of paragraphs 1 & 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Matter for Decision

The report outlined a long term empty property which had been unoccupied for 6 months or more and as such further action by the Council was required to bring it back into use.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

i.        Approved the Compulsory Purchase powers pursuant to Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 in respect of in respect of the empty property referenced in the officer’s report, in order to acquire the property and bring it back into residential use.

ii.       Authorised proceedings to make a Compulsory Purchase Order and officers are instructed to take all necessary action to implement the resolution.

iii.       Approved the capital funding as outlined in section 4 (Financial Implications) of the officer’s report is made available in respect of the acquisition and associated costs which will be recovered through the sale of the property.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Empty Homes Officer.

The Committee welcomed the report.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.