Empty Homes Campaign
House boarded up
Information about Fylde's commitment to reduce the number of empty homes.
At Fylde Borough Council we have a commitment to reduce the number of empty properties within the borough. Fylde currently has 645 properties that have been empty for 6 months or more. A large proportion of these properties are empty for a legitimate reason, for example under renovation to then be sold or moved into, or are on the market for sale.Properties that remain empty for no legitimate reason can have a negative impact on the area. They can become a target for squatters, vandals, and burglars when they could provide homes for the many people who need one.
What options are available ?
- Empty Property Renewal Assistance Grants
- Rent the property out through a registered Housing Association or Private Sector managing agents which guarantees a monthly income for the owner.
Benefits for the property owner
- Where renovation work is involved, an increase in the capital value of the property
- A rental income, this will vary according to the way the owner decides to rent the property, but any rent is better than none
- The assurance of knowing that the property is occupied, saving the owner from the worry of vandalism, squatters and neighbour complaints
- If the owner decides to sell the property, the capital the owner will receive from that sale
- Not having to pay council tax on the property once returned to occupation
Benefits for the community
- A visual and social improvement of the local neighbourhood of the former empty property
- A home for someone who is in housing need, relieving the pressure on the demand for social housing
- Increased revenue from council tax for an occupied property, reducing the burden on other tax payers
- Less complaints to the council/police and fire services so freeing up resources to tackle other issues
What if the owner decides to leave the property empty?
The Council has several options:
- To serve a notice to make the owner bring their property up to the current housing standards
- To apply for an Empty Dwelling Management Order - which enables the council to take over the management of the property for up to 7 years, carry out remedial works and use the property to reduce the housing need within the Borough.
- Enforced sale
- Demolition Order
- To serve a Compulsory Purchase Order on the property (this is seen as a last resort)
How can you help?
If there is a home in your area that has been left empty and you are concerned about it Fylde Borough Council Housing Services would like to know about it.
Contact us either by contact Housing housing@fylde.gov.uk or 01253 658660 or by post to Housing Services, Town Hall, Lytham St Anne's FY8 1LW .
For further information please visit the Lancashire Empty Homes Parternership web site by clicking on the link above.
