Decision details

To agree revisions to the Empty Homes Policy.

Matter for Decision

The Empty Homes Policy 2012 was in need of revision following operational changes and the introduction of the Empty Homes Loan (2017).

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

The Executive Councillor approved the proposed changes and the adoption of the revised Empty Homes Policy 2017 attached as Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Empty Homes Officer (Private Rented Sector).

The Committee noted the following correction to 10.3 bullet point 4, of the Empty Homes Policy:

The City Council’s leasehold services if the owner wishes to sell and previously exercised their Right to Buy.

Is deleted and replaced with:

The City Council’s leasehold services, if the owner had previously exercised their Right to Buy and wishes to sell.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

       i.          Thanked the Officers for their hard work on the project.

     ii.          Welcomed the achievement to-date.

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.