MORE OFFICERS NEEDED TO ALLEVIATE EMPTY HOUSES PROBLEMS, SAY SNP

By Bill Heaney

As homelessness figures soar to record levels and housing emergencies are being declared by local councils, Green party housing spokesperson Ariane Burgess has asked the government to consider increasing funding for empty homes officers “in light of the First Minister’s reported statement that empty homes are key to tackling the housing emergency”.

But the SNP Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan, told her: “Since 2010, we have invested over £800,000 to embed empty homes officers within councils through funding for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.

“Ariane Burgess rightly highlights the effectiveness of our approach, as endorsed by the independent audit last year, with 9,000 homes being brought back into use.

“Although it is for councils to determine how to deploy their resources to best effect, the audit recognised the critical role that officers play in unlocking barriers, particularly with private owners.

“They are an essential component of the partnership’s co-produced strategic empty homes framework approach to maximising the impact across local authority housing services.

“We recently updated guidance to councils about utilising the ring-fenced revenue that they derive from the council tax on second and empty homes to fund more officers.”

Conservative Pam Gosal, SNP housing minister Paul McLennan and Green Ariane Burgess.

Pam Gosal (West Scotland) (Con) told MSPs: “Last month, the Scottish Government declared a housing emergency, with tens of thousands of people struggling to find suitable accommodation.

“However, the latest Scottish Government figures show that the number of long-term-empty properties has increased by four per cent, to more than 46,000, in a year.

“The Scottish Conservatives, as well as charities including Crisis, have called for the creation of a fund that would allow councils to convert such properties into affordable housing. Does the Scottish Government intend to introduce such a fund?”

Paul McLennan replied: “We have invested £3.7 million in the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership since 2010, and we have brought back 9,000 homes since 2010.

“I know that the Scottish Tories previously announced that they wanted to spend £255 million to bring back 7,400 homes. Our approach demonstrates that it is the best way to proceed.

“We are always encouraging local authorities to take on more empty homes partnerships, but it is up to them.”

Top of page: Dumbarton looking west from Garshake out towards Brucehill and the River Clyde.