Environmental Health Trade Group Calls for Extra Resources to Help Tackle Issue of Empty Homes
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is advocating for additional resources to assist environmental health teams in managing the increasing problem of empty homes. This concern has been underscored by a recent investigation highlighting a rise in unoccupied housing and the subsequent impact on communities.
CIEH, representing environmental health professionals, has noted that its members are actively engaging with communities affected by issues from empty homes, such as pests, anti-social behaviour, and criminal activities. Many local authorities have achieved success in reintegrating these buildings into active use, benefiting neighborhoods and curbing crime. Nevertheless, more support is necessary for teams to efficiently handle the growing number of vacant homes.
Ian Andrews, Head of Environmental Health at CIEH, commented on the situation, expressing concern over properties that could be revitalized. These buildings represent potential homes for families in need. Andrews emphasized the importance of environmental health professionals in ensuring safety and wellness in residential settings.
“Market churn is evident; landlords are exiting the rental market, leaving homes unoccupied for extended periods. This exacerbates the high levels of vacant properties. Government funding is essential now to empower local authority environmental health teams to address this pressing challenge,” Andrews asserted.
Ed Foster, a CIEH member and Head of Public Safety and Regulation at Newcastle City Council, experiences the challenges of empty homes routinely and has urged the Government to extend recent interventions for empty retail spaces to residential properties as well.
Foster explained, “Empty homes pose a challenge to local authorities, impacting neighborhoods with issues like overgrown gardens, pests, and anti-social behaviour often connected to these properties. At times, empty homes can lead to dampness and disrepair in adjacent properties.”
Environmental Health teams possess a variety of tools to manage these difficulties. Emergency authorities can board up vacant properties to resolve problems such as leaking gutters, dampness, and roof issues. They can also intervene in rat and pest infestations and implement anti-social behaviour measures.
If a property’s owner is deceased or absent, the environmental health team can authorize necessary work, recoverable as a land charge and through an enforced sale. While there are mechanisms like empty dwelling management orders, these involve complex processes requiring court approval.
Recently, the Government introduced measures to address empty retail premises. Similar powers are deemed necessary to reintegrate unoccupied residential properties, helping alleviate a strain that affects the integrity and vibrancy of communities.
