Council aims to put empty properties back into use

Dozens of empty properties are to be brought back into use if plans are approved, amid a demand for family homes, Birmingham City Council has said.

With the city facing a high need for affordable housing, the Labour-run council is looking to purchase or acquire 50 privately-owned properties, a report confirms.

The local authority said the properties have been empty for several years and argued this was having a "negative impact on communities" through attracting crime, such as drug dens or arson attacks.

According to council tax records, there are about 12,200 privately-owned empty properties in the city, 5,200 of which have been empty for two years or more.

"Experience has shown that leaving the properties empty can lead to crime and anti-social behaviour such as fire, harbourage of vermin, drug dens, cannabis farms and adverse possession," the council report said.

"As they remain empty, they will continue to accrue further council tax debt and also continue to be a wasted resource at a time of high demand for accommodation in Birmingham."

Acquiring the properties will be done either through negotiation or compulsory purchase powers, a tool authorities can use to acquire the land, but will only be used as a "last resort".

"Acquisition […] will enable the council to bring these properties back into use, which will increase the supply of much-needed family accommodation," the council said in the report.

"5,216 have been empty for two years or more, many of which are family homes," the authority said.

"When set against the high demand for affordable housing, it is clear that bringing these empty properties back into use would have a significant positive impact."

"If compulsory purchase is approved for these properties, the owners will be provided with advice and assistance throughout the entire process," the report said.

The council has brought hundreds of properties back into use over the years, through a combination of negotiation and compulsory purchase powers.

On the plans to acquire the 50 properties, the council said: "Following acquisition, each property would be sold on the open market and brought back into use or held by the city housing portfolio."

Cabinet members at the council have been recommended to approve the plans at a meeting on Tuesday.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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