Securing empty homes must be a priority

The scandal of empty homes left to rack and ruin at the former Howe Barracks site is truly shameful at a time when so many families are desperate for a roof over their heads.

It was first exposed by this paper in October, when we exclusively revealed the houses had been left abandoned by the Ministry of Defence since the last military families moved on.

But now we can reveal that more than a year after being left to the mercy of vandals and thieves, there is hope the houses will be brought back into the use they are so desperately needed for.

The 35 homes in Sobraon Way are owned by property company Annington and leased to the MOD, which is due to hand them back at the end of next month.

But the big question is: will it be families on the Canterbury housing waiting list who will benefit?

The city council lost out in 2016 when trying to secure dozens of former army homes at the same site.

Money proved the decisive factor on that occasion, with Annington accepting a higher offer from the wealthier London borough of Redbridge, which rented them to its tenants.

Given the pressure on the city council to secure more homes, it is understandably eager to get its hands on these properties in the face of relentless criticism of its approach to providing new social housing.

Council chiefs have already been in contact with Annington to express their interest.

But will the company do the right thing for the people of Canterbury, or simply offer the homes to the bidder with the deepest pockets?

The city council has already been accused of paying too much for the former student homes in Parham Court and, given the cost of London housing, may face similar criticism if it ends up in a bidding war.

But if the money’s right, then both sides should do all they can to bring much-needed homes into the council’s portfolio.