Void properties worsen the housing crisis warns MP
Cramlington and Killingworth MP, Emma Foody, today (3 April) raised the issue of council properties standing empty, and the impact on the wider housing crisis. The issue was raised following reports in light of a Freedom of Information request last month showing hundreds of council homes standing empty in South East Northumberland.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Emma Foody MP said:
“One of the biggest issues raised with me is the availability of council and social housing. In Conservative-led Northumberland, a recent FOI found that there were over 300 void council properties in South East Northumberland, with over £750,000 lost in rental income. This failure not only wastes public money but worsens the housing crisis.
“Can we have a debate on how we ensure that Council properties aren’t left standing empty for months on end, costing local taxpayers, limiting income that could be spent on repairs and maintenance, and exacerbating the housing crisis?”
Responding to her question, Lucy Powell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, agreed with the urgency of the issue, stating.
“Well she’s absolute right to raise the issue of void council homes in her constituency. As she said, these are homes that could be housing those desperately in need of a social home, and the loss of income that that involves as well.
“We are putting extra money into local government, so they’ve got the capital and revenue to bring these homes back into use, and we are also committed to ensuring we have more affordable social housing for all her constituents.”
Following the exchange, the Cramlington and Killingworth MP said,
“Constituents contact me on a regular basis about the lack of council housing in Northumberland and properties that are standing empty.
“It is hugely disappointing that there are so many properties standing empty and with the lack of action from Conservative-led Northumberland Council. Void properties stop people having the security of a home, costs council taxpayers through lost rent, and exacerbates the housing crisis.
“Whilst this government is taking action to address the housing crisis, residents in Northumberland will be disappointed that the Conservative-led Council is losing vital rental income and leaving more people without the houses properties they deserve”.