SWT supporting Empty Homes Week
27 February 2023 : Council news, Community, Housing news
National Empty Homes Week runs from 27 February to 5 March this year and is an opportunity for local authorities, housing providers and community organisations to let people know about their work.
National Empty Homes Week aims to raise awareness of the waste of long-term empty homes, campaign for changes to national policy, provide advice for those seeking to bring empty homes back into use, and develop ideas for bringing long-term empty homes back into use for those in housing need.
It gives the Council a chance to demonstrate its commitment to tackling empty properties, which are often an eyesore and adversely affect the neighbourhood.
Cllr Fran Smith, Executive Member for Housing, said: “The Council is committed to bringing empty homes in the district back into use, increasing their value and improving the local area.
“We are proud to work with a broad range of partners and homeowners to offer a choice of good quality homes for our residents, whatever their age and income, in thriving communities where support is available for those who need it.”
The Council provides encouragement and support to owners of empty homes, but also has measures for appropriate enforcement action, when necessary. In addition, loans of up to £30,000 (subject to terms and conditions) can be applied for with ‘Lendology’ a Social Enterprise Lender, working in partnership with SWT to provide council funded empty property loans to homeowners.
The loan scheme allows homeowners to spread the cost of completing a renovation project. Lendology are able to consider applications from individuals who may have inherited a property but are unsure how to bring it back into use, through to companies converting a portfolio of properties.
For more information about the loan scheme, visit lendology.org.uk or call Lendology on 01823 461099.
The Council has a dedicated empty homes officer whose remit is to identify and bring empty homes back into use by providing information, advice and guidance to owners.
You can also report the location of any empty homes that you are aware of to the empty homes officer on 01823 219771 or by email: S.Perry@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk
For more information see our Empty homes page.