The National Empty Homes Week 2012 started last Monday 26th November, which is aimed to highlight the growing epidemic of homes lying empty as need for housing increases.
Colchester Borough Council has already taken the proverbial bull by the horns, and is undertaking a new project, in partnership with Colne Housing, Braintree, Maldon and Tendring Councils. The 'Empty Homes Rescue' has already secured £20,000 funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, and will enable Colchester to increase the amount of homes being used as they were intended when first built.
In essence, the project team's focus will be on speaking to home owners with properties that have been empty for more than two years, and working with them to bring the house back into use for the rental market.
However, in order for this to happen, Colchester Council needs your help. There are currently 574 properties that have been empty long-term, and only 5% of these are Council or Housing Association-owned. The rest are owned by individuals or local companies.
Do you know anyone that owns a property that has been standing empty for a long time? Are you the owner of an empty house that has become more of a burden than an investment and would like support to get it back into a fit state to be rented out of individuals and families in need of a home?
Mark Powell Davies, Chief Executive of Colne said “This is a win, win situation. Owners of empty properties get help bringing them back to use, and we provide a decent home for a local family. There is a desperate shortage of housing in North Essex and we are delighted to be working with our local authority partners on this project.”
Please visit the 'Report an Empty Home' page on the Colchester Council website and let the Council know of any empty properties in your neighbourhood.
Alternatively, if you would like to talk to someone about bringing a property back into use please email housing.private@colchester.gov.uk or call 01206 506690.
