New bid to combat Carmarthenshire housing shortage
Owners of empty homes are being urged to help combat a housing shortage in Carmarthenshire.
Housing officers are appealing to people with properties they would like to rent to get in touch.
They say many will be unaware that they could be used for social letting.
Mailshots are being delivered to the owners of empty properties in the county and an appeal has been made for them to come forward to discuss their options.
The move is part of a new package of support by Carmarthenshire County Council.
Staff say they can assist home owners to locate tenants and will help ease some of the pressures that can be encountered in the rental market.
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.
The council’s Principal Housing Officer Val Brown said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who would like to join the Social Lettings Agency.
“There are a large number of empty homes which could be used for people who are desperately in need of housing.
“We believe that many home owners will not know what options are available to them and the help and support we can offer.
“We are particularly keen to talk to owners of houses and bungalows who are looking for longer term tenants, especially in the west and more rural parts of the county.
“We would urge anyone who is interested in renting a property to get in touch.”
The move comes as an action plan has been launched to bring empty properties back into use.
Research shows that a significant number of people buy empty properties which are already in a poor condition and cannot afford to continue renovating them, whilst 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: “I am delighted that so much proactive work is underway to tackle the problem of empty properties.
“They are a potentially critical resource for people in housing need in the area and we are keen to hear from anyone who is looking for help and support.”
For further information please contact Laura Moore on 01554 742375.
Housing officers are appealing to people with properties they would like to rent to get in touch.
They say many will be unaware that they could be used for social letting.
Mailshots are being delivered to the owners of empty properties in the county and an appeal has been made for them to come forward to discuss their options.
The move is part of a new package of support by Carmarthenshire County Council.
Staff say they can assist home owners to locate tenants and will help ease some of the pressures that can be encountered in the rental market.
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.
The council’s Principal Housing Officer Val Brown said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who would like to join the Social Lettings Agency.
“There are a large number of empty homes which could be used for people who are desperately in need of housing.
“We believe that many home owners will not know what options are available to them and the help and support we can offer.
“We are particularly keen to talk to owners of houses and bungalows who are looking for longer term tenants, especially in the west and more rural parts of the county.
“We would urge anyone who is interested in renting a property to get in touch.”
The move comes as an action plan has been launched to bring empty properties back into use.
Research shows that a significant number of people buy empty properties which are already in a poor condition and cannot afford to continue renovating them, whilst 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: “I am delighted that so much proactive work is underway to tackle the problem of empty properties.
“They are a potentially critical resource for people in housing need in the area and we are keen to hear from anyone who is looking for help and support.”
For further information please contact Laura Moore on 01554 742375.
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