Agenda item

The Overview The Overview and Scrutiny Panel are invited to consider the Draft Empty Homes Strategy (Appendix 1) and provide comments to inform the final version to be considered by Cabinet.

By means of a report by the Private Sector Housing Officer (Empty Homes) (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Empty Homes Strategy Report was presented to the Panel.

The Panel asked how much thought had gone into measuring the success of the new Strategy. It was advised that this would rely on an Empty Homes Database which would hold all the information as to why a property is empty and would be reviewed monthly. This would allow them to focus on the problematic properties that would need more attention.

Concern was expressed regarding homes that would be empty due to a death of the owner and the Panel urged caution around these sensitive cases. This was acknowledged as an important point and the Panel heard that the Council wish to take a preventative approach and support people where they can in the process. It was confirmed that enforcement would only occur further down the line as a final option and only in a proportionate way.

It was requested that a table of definitions be included in the Strategy for clarification. This was acknowledged as a valid point and The Panel were advised this could be added.

It was suggested that the Strategy not name the other Authorities their examples had been drawn from and instead, tailor it for Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC). It was confirmed that as HDC have not done anything like this before, the examples had been used to assist with framing the strategy.

Further clarity was sought regarding consultation with homeowners on Point 8 of the Strategy. It was advised that the Common Place Platform was being used as a consultation tool which includes homeowners but has been expanded to include people who know of empty properties.

In response to a question regarding the Empty Property Premium, The Panel heard that in point 5.2 of the Strategy, The Council had chosen to set the maximum Council Tax Premium on empty properties and second homes which will be in effect from April 2026.

Concern was raised around the use of enforcement action and it was suggested that the Council hold off on this until they see the impact of the Premiums. The Panel heard that there must be an enforcement stage to the Strategy otherwise the Council would not know the number of long-term empty properties and would be unable to charge the Premium Council Tax. This stage is also about intelligence gathering and understanding the communities these homes may be negatively impacting.

The Panel’s attention was drawn to Appendix B of the report which shows the statutory enforcement options, reinforcing that the statutory powers are established and long standing. It was advised that this Strategy works on supporting homeowners and using a softer approach but there must be an enforcement stage which will allow the Council to use action against homes that have been empty for a long period of time that are a detriment to the neighbours. It will not be a quick progress and will be a graduated response.

Examples were laid out to the Panel, such as vandalism and environmental health issues and  that without this stage, the Council would be unable to step in or recoup costs for upkeep from a sale.

After a question relating to Appendix D, Resource Implications, The Panel were informed that the recent appointment of a dedicated Officer meant that she would undertake managing the database, engaging with residents and would complete the home visits. They would also be supported by other Officers, Team and the Legal Team.

Further information regarding the target for empty homes was sought from the Panel, referencing Huntingdonshire as already having the second lowest amount of empty properties over 6 months in the County. The Council were urged to be empathetic in their dealings with homeowners. The Panel were advised that  the intelligence which would come from these interactions would be extremely beneficial, referencing the work of the Resident Advice Team and the positive impact their work has had on residents to date, It was heard that this strategy could help support residents with other underlying issues they wouldn’t have been aware of without this information.

After a further question, The Panel were advised that the database would be built up from intelligence gathering and would show the reasons why the properties remain empty.

Councillor Martin agreed that he did not want to see neighbourhoods become derelict but was still uncomfortable with an enforcement stage and moved for a  recommendation that this part of the strategy be removed and see how the Premium Charge goes first.

Councillor Gardener seconded the motion proffered by Councillor Martin.

The Panel hears the new Recommendation and a vote is called.

5 Members are For, 5 Against and the Chair casts her deciding vote Against the Recommendation so the Strategy will go forward without the new Recommendation.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.