Abandoned homes blight communties
The government has granted local authorities new powers to seize vacant properties and rent them out against the wishes of their owners. The controversial empty dwelling management orders enable councils to confiscate privately-owned homes after just six months.
Authorities believe that the rise in abandoned houses, which are targeted by squatters, drug-dealers and arsonists, are blightling local communites. Hampshire in particular saw a rise in abandoned homes with 10,679 vacant properties in November 2004 to 11,119 last October, with 2906 from Southhampton alone.
Obviously there are exemptions, the new powers will not be used against people who leave their property vacant to go abroad or against second-home owners, also properties awaiting repairs, planning or on sale.
Authorities believe that the rise in abandoned houses, which are targeted by squatters, drug-dealers and arsonists, are blightling local communites. Hampshire in particular saw a rise in abandoned homes with 10,679 vacant properties in November 2004 to 11,119 last October, with 2906 from Southhampton alone.
Obviously there are exemptions, the new powers will not be used against people who leave their property vacant to go abroad or against second-home owners, also properties awaiting repairs, planning or on sale.
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9:09 AM
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