Caerphilly Borough Council in Wales recently announced their endorsement of a plan to address the issue of unoccupied private homes in the area. The plan, which is intended to help reduce the number of empty homes in the borough, includes a range of measures to encourage owners to bring their properties back into use.
The plan includes the introduction of a new Empty Homes Premium, which will be applied to properties that have been empty for more than two years. This premium will be charged at an additional 50% of the Council Tax rate, and will be used to fund services and initiatives to help bring empty homes back into use. The Council also plans to introduce a new Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which will provide financial assistance to owners of empty homes who are looking to bring their properties back into use.
The Council also plans to introduce a new Empty Homes Strategy, which will set out a range of measures designed to reduce the number of empty homes in the borough. This strategy will include initiatives such as working with local landlords and developers to encourage them to bring empty properties back into use, and providing advice and support to owners of empty homes who are looking to bring their properties back into use.
The Council also plans to introduce a new Empty Homes Enforcement Team, which will be responsible for identifying and taking action against owners of empty homes who are not taking steps to bring their properties back into use. This team will be able to take a range of enforcement actions, including issuing fines and taking legal action against owners who are not taking steps to bring their properties back into use.
The Council’s plan is intended to help reduce the number of empty homes in the borough, and to ensure that these properties are brought back into use. The Council hopes that this plan will help to improve the quality of life in the borough, and to create more housing options for local residents.