Key to solving problem of unoccupied homes?
LANDLORDS OF EMPTY PROPERTIES COULD BE MADE TO LEASE THEM TO KEY WORKERS
OWNERS of empty properties in Kensington and Chelsea are being asked to let out these properties to key workers at subsidised rates to help tackle the borough’s housing shortage.
The council will be working with landlords of under utilised properties to place tenants who have been at the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic and have been struggling for housing.
In the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which has the highest land values in the UK at an average house price of £1.4m, one out of every 40 homes is identified as empty.
In neighbouring Westminster, 17 homes have stood empty for more than a decade despite the growing housing crisis across London.
Councillor Kim Taylor-Smith, deputy leader and lead member for Grenfell, Housing and Social Investment said: “The paradox of empty homes in a borough with such a high level of housing need is not lost on us.
“Key workers have been travelling from across London to keep our essential services going in the pandemic and I would love to be able to bring empty homes back into use to give them a local housing option. I hope to tap into the wonderful philanthropy of the borough to achieve this, working collaboratively with landlords who may not currently be receiving any rent for their properties.”
The council said they will use legislation such as the Empty Dwellings Management Orders (EDMOs) and forceable sales to bring empty properties back into use. Councillor Kim Taylor-Smith added: “In severe circumstances where landlords refuse to engage, we need the law to help us and we’ll be asking the government to reconsider our ask for more local powers.” Chris Bailey, Campaign Manager with the charity Action on Empty Homes, said: “During the pandemic, long-term empty homes rose by 20 per cent, while 100,000 homeless families wait for suitable homes in temporary accommodation. “We hope Government will see that it’s time for change. “The council is working to use the powers and incentives available today, but critically it is also looking forward to the changes to legislation and regulations which it and many other councils have long campaigned for.”
I hope to tap into the wonderful philanthropy of the borough. Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith