STORY
Councils in England will be able to intervene after a home has stood empty for six months under reforms to Empty Dwelling Management Orders. The present qualifying period is two years, meaning local authorities will be permitted to act eighteen months sooner when a property has been left unused.
An order allows a council to take over the management of a privately owned empty home and return it to occupation for up to seven years, while the owner retains ownership. The application process will also be simplified by removing requirements to provide evidence about matters including antisocial behaviour and community support for intervention.
The Government says the changes will help prevent vacant properties falling into serious disrepair and make better use of existing housing. Ministers are considering additional reforms after figures cited by the Government showed that around 300,000 homes have been empty for the long term, although the effectiveness of the policy will depend on councils making greater use of the orders.