Lib Dems win Empty Homes Concession

Published on Thursday 10th November 2011 by Jon Hubbard

Wiltshire's homes crisis should be helped by the soon to be employed Empty Homes Officer, as demanded by Wiltshire lib Dems at November's Full Council's meeting.

Cllr Howard Marshall (Calne) commented "For two years, the Conservatives have stalled on employing an officer to work on reopening Wiltshire's 1700 long-term empty homes. With a list of over 16000 people waiting for a home, the Lib Dems demanded the post be filled, and the Conservatives finally agreed.

"With the New Homes bonus promoted by Lib Dem Minister Andrew Stunnell MP, just a few homes back on the market will pay for the new officer, and any more will become a cash cow for the Council. In Lib Dem Bristol, there team has brought 250 homes back to market in the last 6 months, showing just how much money can be made."

"Lib Dems are committed to minimising the number of families homeless or without adequate accommodation. This will require a new social housing building programme, but the new Empty Homes Officer will immediately reduce this need."

The text of the Motion, passed by Full Council on Tuesday 8th November, will be available shortly at https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=130&Year=2011