Lewisham Council takes

action on empty homes

31/05/05 Media Contact:Julian Roberts on 0208 314

7040 Ref:4450/05

A new scheme that will reduce the need for social housing by bringing empty
and derelict Lewisham properties back into use, is to be launched during
London Week of Action on Empty Properties (w/c 6 June).

Anti-social behaviour, crime, theft, vandalism and arson are all too common
features associated with empty properties. And with over 2,500 homeless
families in temporary accommodation and 16,000 people on the housing
register, tackling empty properties is a high priority for Lewisham Council.

Councillor Gavin Moore, Deputy Mayor, said: “We must take firm action to
bring empty and derelict properties back into use. Empty homes blight our
communities and will not be tolerated. We are fully prepared to use
compulsory purchase orders as a last resort, where all other options have
failed.”

The Council already offers a free advice service to the owners of empty
properties. Options available include sale to a private developer, empty
homes grants and leasing through a Housing Association or through the
Council’s in-house private sector leasing scheme. Despite offering
assistance, some owners still fail to take action. As a last resort, owners who
refuse to cooperate will be subject to compulsory purchase action.

Once a property has been purchased by the Council, it would be sold on to a

Housing Association or private developer who would renovate the property
and bring it back into use.

Ends.

Notes to editors:

• London Week of Action on Empty Homes takes place 6 - 10 June

2005. It is organised by the Empty Homes Agency, working in
partnership with London Boroughs.

• As a result of Lewisham Council’s proactive empty homes strategy, the

number of empty properties within the borough has reduced from over
4,000 in 1995 to around 1500 in 2005.

• 68 empty properties were brought back into use in 2004/05.

• For information on the Council’s Private Sector Leasing Scheme,
contact telephone 020 8694 1079.

• For further information, contact Nick Long, Property Initiatives Manager

Tel 020 8314 8381, or Richard Tacagni, Private Sector Renewal
Manager Tel 020 8314 8034.