Empty homes are filled after council’s actions

The dwelling is being sold after its long period of idleness as part of an initiative by Arun District Council.

The council issued a compulsory purchase order for it.

Its empty homes officers are contacting owners of unoccupied houses and flats; especially in their sights are those which have been empty for more than two years.

They have succeeded in bringing 33 of the properties back into use in the past ten months,

Dudley Wensley, the council’s cabinet member for corporate governance, said: “It is important for owners of empty housing to be talking to the council about the latest situation relating to their property.

“Often officers will be able to advise on a range of options or suggest who else to talk to. Arun is proactive in returning properties into occupations and we want to work with owners of empty properties.

“Sometimes, people are not sure of the next course of action, perhaps following an inheritance for example.

“We are keen to work with them to find a solution.”

More than 600 owners of empty properties across the district have been contacted recently by the council to discuss matters related to the dwellings.

Many have been offered advice from VAT reductions for renovations to contacts for renting.