Decision details

Empty Homes Strategy

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Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Sustainable Growth to approve the submission of the Empty Homes Strategy for its consideration, approval, and adoption into the council’s Policy Framework.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

	Option 1: The final version of the Empty Homes Strategy is approved for adoption into the council’s Policy Framework.	Option 2: The final version of the Empty Homes Strategy is not adopted as corporate council policy.
Advantages	Enables the council to progress its empty homes work to an agreed framework, objectives, and action plan. While having some flexibility the Strategy defines the council’s objectives and approach and the future targeting of empty homes priorities.	No advantages identified unless Members require substantive amendments to the document or seek further consultation on the final document.
Disadvantages	A delay in the adoption of the Strategy may create further uncertainty around the council’s intentions for this area of policy and work.	Ongoing work of the Empty Homes Officer takes place outside of an agreed priority framework and Action Plan.
Risks/ Mitigation	Risks are around reputational risk to the council of approving an approach which does not meet the objectives and/or does not find favour with the wider community. However, it is considered that the Strategy reflects the stakeholder and community aspirations (as expressed through consultation) and the council’s overarching and current corporate policy framework.	Work proceeds ad hoc and outside of an agreed policy framework.

The officer preferred option is Option 1. The Empty Homes Strategy 2025-2030 is a comprehensive plan to address long-term vacancies in Lancaster District’s housing stock. It combines proactive and reactive measures, aiming to balance supportive interventions with necessary enforcement actions. By bringing empty homes back into use, the council aims to reduce housing shortages, improve neighbourhood conditions, and contribute to Lancaster’s broader goals of community sustainability and well-being. Regular monitoring, effective partnerships, and targeted resource use are essential to achieving the strategy’s objectives and making a positive impact on Lancaster’s housing landscape.

Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:-

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1) That the Empty Homes Strategy 2025 - 2030 is adopted into the Council’s Corporate Policy Framework.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Sustainable Growth

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council Plan: Access to Quality Housing plays a fundamental role in health and well-being by ensuring that communities have access to homes for people of all incomes which are comfortable, warm and allows them to maintain their independence. The collective actions of the council in making an active contribution to the provision of new homes, achieving its housing regeneration ambitions, and making the best use of Lancaster district’s existing housing stock, including empty homes will positively contribute to meeting its corporate objectives.

Publication date: 16/01/2025

Date of decision: 14/01/2025

Decided at meeting: 14/01/2025 - Cabinet

Accompanying Documents: