Highlanders want more pressure to be placed on owners of empty houses to bring them back into use and cut housing shortages
PRESSURE needs to be ramped up on owners of long-term empty homes to bring them back into use and ease housing shortages in the Highlands, two-thirds of Highlanders surveyed believe.
The figure was revealed in a new survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP).
It also found that 84 per cent of Highlands and Islands residents who were quizzed felt that empty homes reduced available housing in their communities.
Shaheena Din, national manager for the SEHP, said: “These figures show that most people recognise that empty homes aren’t just a matter for their owners but lead to fewer homes being available for local people.
“We want to make it easier for people to do something about the issue by reporting empty property to their local council or our Empty Homes Advice Service. We have a proven track record of giving owners and others the support they need to make these properties homes once again.”
In the Highlands, an average of more than 1500 private homes sit empty for six months or more.
Owners of long-term empty property can face a levy of up to 200 per cent on their council tax if they are not doing anything to bring the property back into use.
And the SEHP said it wants to see some of that money ring-fenced to provide a service for owners and for the levy to be applied with discretion, for example giving leeway to owners carrying out expensive repairs.
Shaheena Din added: “Many owners are willing to take action to bring their empty properties back into use if they’re given a bit of help and that’s why we part fund services on the Western Isles and Orkney. The partnership is keen to see a dedicated empty homes officer in every local council in Scotland.”
The partnership which is run by Shelter Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government has enjoyed a record-breaking year. Last year its network of empty homes officers working in 20 councils across the country helped to bring 1128 properties back into use. It brings the total number of homes brought back into use with direct support from councils or the Empty Homes Advice Service to 4340, which is equivalent to a town bigger than Nairn.
Anyone who wants help with an empty home they own or one in their community can contact the Empty Homes Advice Service at 0344 515 1941 or emptyhomes@shelter.org.uk.
