Action plan for Carmarthenshire houses

An action plan has been launched to tackle the problem of empty houses in Carmarthenshire.
Around 2,000 homes are lying empty in the county at the same time as there is a shortage of affordable housing.
Many are an eyesore in their communities, cause public health related problems and are venues for antisocial behaviour.
Now the county council is taking action to solve the problem and bring properties back into use for families who are desperately in need of housing.
It comes as the number of empty houses is expected to rise because of repossessions caused by the credit crunch.
An Empty Property Strategy was first launched in 2005 and has resulted in 150 properties being brought back into use.
Now an Empty Property Action Plan has been drawn up to build on that success.
The council has become the first in Wales to conduct a survey of empty property owners, in a bid to find out why homes are becoming vacant and what can be done about it.
It revealed that many owners do not know what options are available for them.
An improved database of empty homes has now been created and better mechanisms have been put in place to record long term vacant properties.
A revised information pack is being published for owners of empty properties.
The council is also developing its enforcement procedures to use a range of legislation including empty dwelling management orders and enforced sale.
Carmarthenshire is one of a small number of local authorities to be actively using compulsory purchase, and will take the step if working with owners does not work.
Head of Housing Services Robin Staines said: “Good progress has been made to tackle empty homes in the county, with around 150 properties brought back into use as a result of direct action by the council.
“This has resulted in homes being made available, including the provision of accommodation for homeless families.
“Whilst positive work has been carried out, empty properties continue to be a challenge and further work is needed to tackle the problem.
“Empty properties are a potentially critical resource for people in housing need in the area.”
Research shows that a significant number of people buy empty properties which are already in a poor condition and others become owners through inheritance.
Many say they would like advice about support and financial help that is available to them.
Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “Empty properties have an impact on local communities.
“They are often an eyesore and can cause public health related problems to neighbouring properties because they are in disrepair, attract vandalism and are venues for antisocial behaviour.
“This new action plan will help to tackle the problems and I commend all the officers involved with this work.”

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