Empty Homes CPOthe last resort

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Empty Homes CPOthe last resort
Sept 2008

• SELHP Member Meeting Empty Homes

www.southwark.gov.uk
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Youve 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 2008
SELHP Member Meeting Empty Homes
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What do we offer ...

• 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 dont 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

Sept 2008
SELHP Member Meeting Empty Homes
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CPO the future ..

• 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 LAs have to deal
  with private sector empty housing.

Sept 2008
Secondary information
SELHP Member Meeting Empty Homes
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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 CPOs - 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

Sept 2008
Secondary information
SELHP Member Meeting Empty Homes