Make better use of empty homes to increase council housing

At a full Rugby Borough Council meeting on Tuesday 14 November 2017, Councillor Tim Douglas, spoke on behalf of the Liberal Democrats group and highlighted the importance of making better use of empty houses in the borough as Councillors voted through a revised policy for acquiring council housing.

Councillor Douglas also raised the issue at the Joint Scrutiny Committee meeting on 6 November 2017 where Councillors were told as of September there were 1,348 empty houses in Rugby.

At the full Council meeting, Councillors voted to approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Housing General Fund Asset Acquisition and Disposal Policy and accompanying Approval Process as well as to give delegated authority to the Head of Corporate Resources and Chief Financial Officer so they can approve HRA and General Fund housing acquisitions and disposals.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Tim Douglas, said:

"We recognise that waiting lists are tight and myself, like others, have helped residents in difficulty find appropriate housing. We acknowledge the disposal criteria involved but we can all think of property across Rugby that are empty and would make good homes for those in need. The Council should be doing more to urgently get these properties back into use and where budgets allow acquire them to increase our council stock."

Council papers 14 November 2017

https://www.rugby.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/819/council

Council papers 6 November 2017

https://www.rugby.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/869/joint_overview_and_scrutiny_meeting