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Housing

Powys Residents Urged to Report Empty Properties to Help Alleviate Housing Emergency

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Powys County Council is seeking the public's assistance in bringing long-term empty properties back into use to address the county's housing crisis. The council has launched an online Empty Property Referral Form, which residents can use to report vacant homes that are causing damage or damp to neighboring properties. Since its introduction in April 2024, the form has led to dozens of investigations and has helped revive 12 properties, with more expected to be brought back into use in the coming months. The council's efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce housing shortages, improve neighborhoods, and ensure properties contribute positively to local communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Powys County Council has launched an online Empty Property Referral Form to encourage residents to report long-term empty properties.
  • The form has led to dozens of investigations and has successfully brought 12 properties back into use between April and July 2024.
  • There are 1,550 properties in Powys that have been empty for more than 12 months, with 887 subject to a premium long-term empty charge.
  • Residents can report empty properties on the Powys County Council website at www.powys.gov.uk by searching for "Report an Empty Property".
  • The council gives priority to cases where neighboring homes are affected and uses Council Tax and Land Registry data to investigate referrals.
  • Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, emphasizes the importance of residents' involvement in helping to bring empty homes back into use.
  • The council's strategy aims to reduce housing shortages, improve neighborhoods, and ensure properties contribute positively to local communities and services.

Statistics:

  • 1,550 properties in Powys have been empty for more than 12 months.
  • 887 properties subject to a premium long-term empty charge.
  • 12 properties successfully brought back into use between April and July 2024.
  • The online Empty Property Referral Form has led to dozens of investigations.

Sources:

  • Powys County Council press release (no date provided)
  • [Brecon and Radnor Express, "Powys Residents Urged to Report Empty Properties to Help Alleviate Housing Emergency"](https://www.brecon-radnor.co.uk/news/powys-residents-urged-to-report-empty-properties-to-help-alleviate-housing-emergency-829236)
  • Powys County Council website (no specific page or date provided)

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