The Empty Homes Network (EHN) is proud to unveil its first-ever 3-Point Plan, a bold and strategic framework designed to influence national policy and legislative change in tackling the persistent issue of empty homes across the UK. As the leading voice for empty homes practitioners, EHN’s plan outlines key reforms that central government should consider implementing to empower local authorities, strengthen enforcement measures, and maximise the potential of empty properties as a crucial housing resource.
A Unified Approach to Empty Homes Policy
For over two decades, EHN has supported local authorities in their efforts to bring empty homes back into use. However, without a consistent national framework, progress has been fragmented. The new 3-Point Plan sets out clear, evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at ensuring a unified approach to tackling empty properties and integrating empty homes work within wider housing strategies.
The three key pillars of the plan are:
1. National Strategy, Local Action – Calling for a statutory duty on local authorities to investigate and act on long-term empty homes, alongside the introduction of a National Empty Homes Strategy to provide a clear, coordinated approach across all regions.
2. Making Council Tax Work for Empty Homes Services – Proposing reforms to Council Tax premiums and exemptions to incentivise action on empty homes, including linking premium charges to active empty homes strategies and introducing measures to prevent indefinite exemptions.
3. Redefining Powers, Unleashing Potential – Advocating for enhanced enforcement powers, including amendments to Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) and the introduction of new legal mechanisms such as Empty Dwelling Sale Orders to enable councils to take decisive action on problematic empty properties.
A Call to Action for Central Government
EHN’s 3-Point Plan is a call for government consideration and intervention. With rising housing demand and increasing pressures on local authorities, empty homes remain an underutilised resource that could provide much-needed housing. By implementing the recommendations in this plan, central government can ensure councils are equipped with the necessary tools to bring more empty properties back into use, benefiting communities nationwide.
As part of the plan’s launch, EHN will be engaging with policymakers, local authorities, and housing organisations to push for legislative change. We urge stakeholders to join us in advocating for these critical reforms.
The Empty Homes Network’s 3-Point Plan, is now available to download here:
