This debate is now being extended to the 31st August 2010.
Gera Drymer, who leads on this at the HCA is giving presentations on the discussion at CLG-organised meetings so it is reasonable to assume that the issues debated will figure in the deliberations of the coalition government as they consider how to move forwards with empty homes policy. This is an opportunity for empty homes practitioners to highlight the really important issues we face and lessons we have learned.
Emma Kumar, for example, has highlighted the key role of the Empty Homes Officers in Brighton and Hove. I am sure we would all agree with her on this. But whilst it may seem obvious enough to us, the debate was relatively silent on this critical factor until she made her contribution: it could get overlooked by decision-makers.
The link to the debate is here:
http://showcase.homesandcommunities.co.uk/debate/how-do-we-maximise-the-use-of-empty-homes-.html