Council has brought more than 300 empty homes back into use across Telford and Wrekin in three years

In 2021, the local authority launched its Long-Term Empty Property Strategy, aiming to tackle the issue of problematic properties standing empty for too long. 

Now, three years down the line, the council has revealed that it has brought 312 properties back into use and is on track to reach its target of 375 by 2026.

Figures released by Action on Empties, a charity that campaigns to bring empty homes in England back into use for people in need, revealed that for nearly every 100 homes in Telford and Wrekin, there is one empty property. That compares favourably to the average for local authorities, where there is one empty property for every 48 homes.

Of the 312 homes brought back into use, Telford & Wrekin Council has acquired 81 of those to support vulnerable residents through its Next Steps Accommodation Programme and provide specialist accommodation.

In a report to the cabinet on January 6, members will be asked to note their progress made since the strategy was launched and reaffirm its support as the work moves forward. 

Telford & Wrekin Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and enforcement, Councillor Richard Overton, said: "Long-term empty properties serve no purpose. Often, they are unkept, fall into disrepair and can attract fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. This is unfair on neighbours and can have a big impact on the local community.

"Three years ago, we decided to take action to support our communities and boost the numbers of homes available for people who want to live in our borough.

"Our Empty Property Team has worked tirelessly in the last three years to work with property owners, use enforcement action where necessary, support our local communities and ultimately turn hundreds of empty properties back into warm and inviting homes."

The council said that in a majority of cases, the Empty Property Team offered advice and support to property owners that resulted in their property being brought back into use.

With renovation costs often involved, the team have promoted the use of the local credit union to offer low-cost loans that helped some owners cover the cost of repairs. 

The council said the team also helped people who are beneficiaries of deceased estates, and currently have properties that are sitting empty, and will go through the probate process to bring them back into use.