Empty Homes Week 2021

Residents who are struggling to bring empty properties back into use and communities who want to take action on derelict properties in their neighbourhoods are being urged to come forward.

Due to Covid-19 and its impact on local councils, the 2020 Empty Homes Week was rescheduled and it is now taking place across England from 15 to 21 February 2021.

The campaign is organised by the charity Action on Empty Homes, which uses the week to highlight the problem of long-term empty properties across the UK.

In Lichfield District there are around 120 long-term empty properties. Lichfield District Council has a policy that sets out how it will work to bring these homes back into use.

As part of this, the council’s housing team can work with the owners of the properties that have been empty for the longest time, with a view to getting them brought back into domestic use.

As part of Empty Homes Week, the council is urging anyone who is struggling with an empty property and needs help to bring it back into use, or anyone who is concerned about an empty property in their area, to get in touch for advice.

Councillor Angela Lax, Cabinet Member responsible for Housing, said:“Derelict properties can blight local communities and, with housing in short supply, they are wasted opportunities to create much needed homes.

“Empty Homes Week gives us an opportunity to raise awareness locally and encourage people to contact us if they own an empty property or are worried about a derelict property in the district.”

If you are concerned about an empty property, please email housing@lichfielddc.gov.ukor telephone Lichfield District Council on 01543 308000.  

Find out more about Empty Homes Week atwww.actiononemptyhomes.org.