Shelter calls for more action on empty homes
Tuesday, 23 August 2011 12:55 PM
Local authorities should do more to combat the ‘disgraceful waste’ of empty homes while thousands wait on housing lists, it has been claimed.
At the 21st Century Homes in Scotland conference, Shelter Scotland highlighted how there are 23,000 private sector homes lying empty across Scotland, while over 160,000 households are stuck on waiting lists for a home.
The charity called for greater commitment from politicians and local councils to bring long-term empty homes back into use.
Speaking at the conference in Edinburgh, Kristen Miller, Shelter Scotland’s empty homes co-ordinator, said: “Empty homes are a disgraceful waste at a time when housing demand outstrips supply. With fewer homes being built, there is no end in sight for the tens of thousands of households in Scotland stuck on housing waiting lists.
“We urge councils to do all they can to make use of the houses they already have in their communities. Bringing empty homes back in to use has many benefits – it adds to the housing supply, contributes to local regeneration and supports rural communities and community safety.”
Since launching, 21 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have signed up to the ReportEmptyHomes.com website, where members of the public are encouraged to report empty homes in their communities.
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