www.southwark.gov.uk

Empty Homes CPO……the last resort

Sept 2008

www.southwark.gov.ukSELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes

www.southwark.gov.uk

You’ve hired us… so what do we do in Southwark….

The Empty Homes Initiative aims to put the private sector empty property world to rights

Advise owners of the options available to bring their asset back into use.

Promote regeneration, re-investment and attract private investment in local communities blighted by empty homes

Help reduce the crime and vandalism empty homes attract

Increase good the stock of good quality housing across all tenures

Increase trade to local businesses, stimulating employment opportunities

Sept 2008SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes

www.southwark.gov.uk

What do we offer ...

Sept 2008SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes

To good, cooperative owners who want to bring their property back into use we offer:

• Advice on property redevelopment• Empty Homes Grant assistance• Housing Association Leasing Schemes • Help with Letting and Landlord Accreditation• Matching Vendors with Purchasers • Southwark Rent Deposit Team and Finders Fee• Broadway London Leasing and Rent Deposit• Student Lets

To bad uncooperative owners who despite our patience don’t want to bring their property back into use we

• Throw on our ponchos, get ourselves a big stick and get us some

COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACTION

www.southwark.gov.uk

Secondary information Sept 2008

CPO the future …..

SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes

• CPO action is not an easy method to use and nor should it be

• Can be expensive and time and officer hungry

BUT

• The means can justify the expense

• Although not a quick solution, the threat is often enough to get an owner moving.

• Is only used as the last resort – after an owner has been given every opportunity and support.

• Every empty property strategy should have some method of enforcement which the LA should be willing to use if required

• It is the only FINAL solution LA’s have to deal with private sector empty housing.

www.southwark.gov.uk

Secondary information Sept 2008

CPO what we have done…

• The EHI has used CPO action to help bring 16 very long term vacant properties and land back into use

• Uses Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985

• CPO action was suspended on 4 properties pending action taken by the owners or corporately

• Owners of 6 properties entered into a unilateral agreement with the Council

• 5 properties had confirmed CPO’s - 3 owners then entered into a unilateral agreement

• 1 was recently sold at auction – the remaining plot will be sold soon

• More properties are in the pipeline

SELHP Member Meeting – Empty Homes