The Empty Homes Network is pleased to present its draft Three-Point Plan, designed to shape its campaigning and lobbying efforts over the next five years.
As part of this initiative, the Network is seeking input from its members to refine its vision and establish a clear operational stance. By gathering feedback, the organisation aims to identify policies and practices that can drive lasting and measurable change, influencing central government decision-making on empty homes.
Structured around three fundamental aspects of empty homes work, the Three-Point Plan is intended to inform policy, stimulate discussion on potential solutions, and highlight strategies that could bring properties back into use—thereby contributing to the government’s housing supply targets. The plan focuses on the following key areas:
1. National Strategy, Local Action – Introducing a statutory duty for local housing authorities to investigate and take action to bring long-term empty homes back into use.
2. Utilising Council Tax to Support Empty Homes Services – Enabling and incentivising local authorities to enhance their empty homes resources by leveraging the Empty Homes Premium and the Second Homes Premium. This includes proposed amendments to the existing council tax framework, such as reducing or removing indefinite exemptions and granting empty homes officers greater access to relevant information.
3. Redefining Powers, Unlocking Potential – Advocating for the development of enforcement tools specifically designed to address empty homes issues.
Each of these points includes a series of recommendations for central government, with the potential to redefine empty homes policy and facilitate significant change both for officers and local authorities. The plan builds on the significant work already being undertaken by local authorities across the country while encouraging additional government support for areas with fewer resources, where tackling empty homes may not yet be a priority.
The Network invites members to share their views and insights as part of a consultation period, which will remain open until Friday, 28th February 2025. Comments, suggestions, and feedback should be submitted to admin@ehnetwork.org.uk. The finalised Three-Point Plan will be published on Friday, 14th March 2025.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts.
The Empty Homes Network
