Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Community and Business Protection Manager introduced a report to provide an overview of the work undertaken by the Empty Homes Services.  She gave a joint presentation with the Development Officer which covered the following:          

• context
• achievements since 2019
• case studies

The Chairman commented that the number of empty homes seemed high but added that the standard of the refurbishments was excellent.  The Senior Surveyor added that the figures for the number of empty properties was obtained from Council Tax.  He also commented that they had the use of an excellent private investigator to identify home owners, and that private landlords were often part of the solution.

In response to a question from Councillor David Wisinger around an empty property in the Deeside area, the Senior Surveyor that work was progressing on identifying a solution to bring the property back into use. 

In response to a question from Councillor Adele Davies-Cooke, the Senior Surveyor advised that all properties were sold at auction to ensure the best possible price at a given time.

Councillor Ron Davies asked if empty buildings were addressed alongside empty homes.  The Senior Surveyor advised that only empty residential properties were targeted with their being not enough resources in the team to address commercial properties. 

The recommendation outlined within the report was moved by Councillor Veronica Gay and seconded by Councillor Mared Eastwood.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.