MSP hits out at rise in number of empty homes
Simpson says issue must‘ frustrate’ those on waiting lists
MSP Graham Simpson has hit out at the rise in the number of empty properties in South Lanarkshire.
That’s after the number of empty properties in the area increased by 22 per cent.
The Conservative MSP said it was “frustrating” to see the increase in empty homes, when “so many” are waiting for houses.
He was speaking as the Scottish government’s latest quarterly housing statistics showed an increase of 211 from 963 in 2007, to 1174 to 2018.
He added: “Under the SNP the total number of long-term empty properties and second homes has increased from 55,385 in 2007 to 64,017 in 2018.
“This highlights that bringing empty properties back into use is of upmost importance.
“Throughout their decade in government the SNP has seen empty properties soar, taking valuable properties out of use.
“In South Lanarkshire the number of empty properties and second homes has increased by 22 per cent since 2007.”
The increase follows a similar trend nationally, with an increase of 16 per cent in Scotland as a whole.
The Tory Central Scotland MSP did, however, welcome South Lanarkshire Council’s introduction of a 200 per cent council tax hike on properties that have not been occupied for more than a year – excluding second and holiday homes.
This will provide an additional £250,000 to fund vital local services.
It followed his calls earlier this year for the council to charge double council tax on empty properties – following the example of other councils across Scotland.
He said: “For the thousands of people waiting for housing this latest increase in empty properties will feel particularly frustrating.
“The SNP must introduce a Help to Rebuild scheme which could bring together disparate grant schemes under one easily accessible umbrella programme.
“In addition, the SNP must enable empty business premises to be turned into affordable housing as well as help farmers convert empty buildings into housing.”
He added: “They must take innovative action to tackle this rise in empty properties, help solve the housing crisis and enable more people to realise their dream of having a home.”
This highlights bringing empty properties back into use is important