Consultation On The Proposed Community Empowerment - Scottish ...

“We can see significant difficulties in enforcing a power to
sell or lease long-term empty homes, particularly in the
current economic climate when the home may be empty
because of a stagnant property market! Similar issues are
being considered by a Scottish Government working group
looking at increasing council tax levies on long-term empty
homes, in which [we participate], and some cross cutting
thinking may be useful here.”
(Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers)
5.60 Other specific issues included:
the need to consult with any lenders with an interest in the property
concerned (Council of Mortgage Lenders); and
the view of the Ministry of Defence that its accommodation should be
excluded.
5.61 There was widespread support from community representatives for the
additional powers proposed, with the blighting effect of empty and badly
maintained houses and the shortage of affordable homes cited as reasons.
5.62 While a number of local authorities and other organisations supported
additional powers, several respondents also made clear that these should be
used as a last resort and only if voluntary sale or lease cannot be agreed.
“Councils do need more powers in terms of long-term empty
properties. Existing options are limited and lack strength to
help ensure that properties are maintained and ultimately
brought back into use, or indeed demolished.”
(North Ayrshire Council)
5.63 Respondents were asked in what circumstances a local authority should be
able to enforce a sale of an empty home and what minimum criteria would
need to be met. The response rate for this question was fairly low, but there
was general agreement in the responses.
5.64 Circumstances proposed by several respondents included:
evidence of neglect of the property (and evidence that this is causing a
problem such as anti-social behaviour);
length of time vacant (suggestions varying between 18 months and 20
years – but mostly around two to three years);
refusal of the owner to address the problems identified or to respond to
repairs notices; and
the need for housing in the area.
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