Adur & Worthing Councils Empty Homes department announce significant reduction of empty properties.

Adur & Worthing Councils annual report to Central Government reveals that 67 properties across the area are no longer empty and are in use.

Official returns show that only 98 dwellings in Adur and 334 in Worthing are now registered as empty (for more than six months).  The occupation of 67 properties across the year is a great achievement.  

This marks a 34% reduction in the number of empty properties across the Councils since 2008. Making up 0.59% of the private housing stock, as compared to 0.88% nationally.

All Councils are required to submit a report indicating the number of residential dwellings that are registered with Council Tax as being empty for longer than 6 months.  Any net reduction in this figure can attract a New Homes Bonus from central government of £1300 per property - per year - for 5 years.

Bruce Reynolds, Private Sector Housing Team Leader adds “This is a fantastic result. Aside from the New Homes Bonus of £87,100 per year , these figures prove that we are tackling the constant challenge for sufficient housing in the district.  

Our Empty Property Officer Helen Stevens, has been working really hard with local property owners to ensure that residences are brought back into use as quickly as possible.  Through a successful combination of advice, assistance and when necessary, enforcement.  This also includes a Council funded toolkit of further options including grants, interest free loans, enforced sales and even demolition of derelict properties to open up land for development.”

Councillor Dr Heather Mercer, Executive Member for Customer Service at Worthing Borough Council says; “Our Private Sector Housing team have submitted very impressive results in this report.  As with the rest of the UK, Worthing residents are in need of suitable and affordable housing stock.  These figures show we have been successful in fulfilling our commitment to reclaiming empty properties, along with encouraging good practise and engagement with our local landlords. “

Councillor Jim Funnell, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Customer Services adds “This report not only illustrates our success in turning empty properties into useful residencies but has proved to be a welcome source of income, thanks to the Government’s New Homes Bonus scheme."