Great British Property Scandal empty homes campaign hits 100k
Tuesday, 13 December 2011 10:33 AM
Channel 4's Great British Property Scandal campaign has reached over 100,000 petition signatures, triggering consideration for a parliamentary debate on the subject of empty homes.
The campaign was launched as part of a week's programming aimed at highlighting the growing housing crisis.
George Clarke, Restoration Man presenter, is spearheading the drive, along with fellow Channel 4 presenters Phil Spencer and Jon Snow.
Clarke's The Great British Property Scandal show broadcast last week followed him as he explored the issue of empty homes and lobbied government on the subject.
He said: "The support I've received for my empty homes campaign so far has been overwhelming, and I’m thrilled that 100,000 people have signed up already.
"It's a massive achievement, and I want to thank everybody who has pledged their support.
"The campaign has got off to a brilliant start, but this is just the beginning. We must continue to lobby our politicians until they take stronger action to help bring Britain’s empties back into use. Here’s to the next 100K!"
According to Clarke the UK has some 350,000 long-term empties, while two million families are in need of better housing.
The campaign has already drawn considerable attention from MPs, with Conservative backbencher Jason McCartney, MP for Colne Valley, leading an adjournment debate in the House of Commons two weeks ago.
However Clarke is now eyeing a full debate in the hope of spurring real change.
Housing minister Grant Shapps has spoken of his support for the campaign, recently tweeting that he plans to ask Clarke into the Department for Communities and Local Government to discuss the issue.
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