Julian's wants the 1000 empty homes in Castle Point to be used to house young families

Castle Point Borough Council "cracks down on untidy gardens" it was announced in July of this year. This was a welcome move and response to work done by the local Labour party in highlighting this issue. 

Untidy gardens cause all sorts of stresses to the neighbours. 

What was missing from the announcement was a strategy to deal with empty property. 

Empty properties attract vermin and can become a focus for youth nuisance – neither especially desirable. More importantly, there is a shortage of housing locally and empty properties can help meet that need. 

Putting empty properties back into circulation will reduce vandalism, contribute to the regeneration of a street or area, reduce the need for green belt encroachment, and help tackle homelessness. 

In 2008 there were 1014 empty homes in Castle Point, a small drop on the 1092 identified in 2007 (figures from the Empty Homes Agency).

"Putting these empty homes back into circulation would greatly reduce the housing waiting list" said Julian Ware-Lane. "There are currently just over 1500 council properties in Castle Point, not enough to meet demand." 

"Everyone I have consulted wants these places let out to young families – the Council could commit to doing this". 

"The council has powers to compulsorily purchase, enforce sale or issue Empty Dwellings Management orders. Obviously persuasion is the best solution and should be the first option" added Julian. 

"I have heard of homes left empty for over a decade – scandalous at times of housing need".