‘Empty homes’ officer up for award
A Stirling Council worker is in the running for two awards for her efforts in bringing empty homes back into use.
Empty homes officer Allyson Allison is a finalist in the outstanding individual and best before and after categories at the Howdens Scottish Empty Homes gongs.
An empty home is classed as a privately owned property which has been unoccupied for six months or more.
Since 2013, Stirling Council has returned 266 empty homes, providing the authority with an extra £308,000 through Council Tax to run vital services.
Empty properties which have been transformed include Troughstone in Strathblane, which earned Allyson her ‘before and after’nomination.
She supported the owner in bringing the fire-damaged property to the market and supplied information and guidance to buyers, encouraging a quick sale.
She then provided help and support to the new owner regarding the dangerous building notice and the newly-built property is now due to go onto the market.
Allyson said:“I fully understand the complex reasons why properties can become long term empty, including the emotional complexities. I would encourage any empty home owner to get in touch and I can help them identify a suitable solution to bring their long term empty home back into use.
Stirling Council housing portfolio holder Evelyn Tweed said:“This initiative provides people and families with much-needed homes, but it also improves the sustainability of communities, discourages antisocial behaviour and brings in increased revenue to the council.”
Tory housing spokesperson Councillor Martin Earl added:“This is actually a vital service for any council to provide. There are far too many empty properties across the Stirling area so it needs a real focus and expert knowledge to engage with the often complex reasons why a potential family home is sitting there unused. With such a high need for housing we don’t want to see any opportunities missed and this project can really help.”
The award ceremony takes place at the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership annual conference at the Engine Shed, Stirling, on November 26.
For more information on bringing an empty property back into use contact Allyson on 01786 23780.