Transcript Slide 1

Empty Homes CPO……the last resort
SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes
Sept 2008
www.southwark.gov.uk
You’ve hired us… so what do we do
in Southwark….
The Empty Homes Initiative aims to put the private
sector empty property world to rights
Advise owners of the options available to bring their
asset back into use.
Promote regeneration, re-investment and attract
private investment in local communities blighted by
empty homes
Help reduce the crime and vandalism empty homes
attract
Increase good the stock of good quality housing
across all tenures
Increase trade to local businesses, stimulating
employment opportunities
SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes
Sept 2008
www.southwark.gov.uk
What do we offer ...
To good, cooperative owners who want to bring their
property back into use we offer:
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Advice on property redevelopment
Empty Homes Grant assistance
Housing Association Leasing Schemes
Help with Letting and Landlord Accreditation
Matching Vendors with Purchasers
Southwark Rent Deposit Team and Finders Fee
Broadway London Leasing and Rent Deposit
Student Lets
To bad uncooperative owners who despite our
patience don’t want to bring their property back into
use we
• Throw on our ponchos, get ourselves a big stick
and get us some
COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACTION
SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes
Sept 2008
www.southwark.gov.uk
CPO the future …..
• CPO action is not an easy method to use and nor
should it be
• Can be expensive and time and officer hungry
BUT
• The means can justify the expense
• Although not a quick solution, the threat is often
enough to get an owner moving.
• Is only used as the last resort – after an owner
has been given every opportunity and support.
• Every empty property strategy should have some
method of enforcement which the LA should be
willing to use if required
• It is the only FINAL solution LA’s have to deal
with private sector empty housing.
Secondary
SELHPinformation
Member Meeting – Empty Homes
Sept 2008
www.southwark.gov.uk
CPO what we have done…
• The EHI has used CPO action to help bring 16 very
long term vacant properties and land back into use
• Uses Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985
• CPO action was suspended on 4 properties pending
action taken by the owners or corporately
• Owners of 6 properties entered into a unilateral
agreement with the Council
• 5 properties had confirmed CPO’s - 3 owners then
entered into a unilateral agreement
• 1 was recently sold at auction – the remaining plot
will be sold soon
• More properties are in the pipeline
Secondary
information
SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes
Sept 2008
www.southwark.gov.uk