Empty Properties (Hansard, 15 July 1969)

§ Mr. MacColl

This issue arises particularly in London, with its great volume60W of redevelopment and intense housing pressures, and the Ministry has already written to the London local authorities about this in the following terms:

Use of Empty Houses

The Minister of Housing and Local Government has been considering the problems of the greater use of empty houses in the ownership of London local authorities—problems which have been highlighted by the occupation of such property by families of squatters. Such families are often the chief sufferers from unauthorised use of the property, and the Minister has noted with concern the hardship and distress of families living in what will often be most unsatisfactory conditions. Following consultation at official level with London local authorities he now wishes to set down what he finds to be the best practice amongst these authorities themselves for making good use of empty property which they own.

It is clear that, with a heavy programme of redevelopment and improvement, there will on any one day be a substantial number of houses lying empty for imminent demolition, or while repair or improvement work is in hand. Other houses will be empty while on offer to new tenants. The Minister appreciates, moreover, that an enlightened management policy may involve some increase in the duration of these short-term vacancies where prospective tenants are given a choice of property, or when special consideration is given to the wishes of the last family to vacate a terrace ear-marked for demolition.

He notes, nevertheless, that there appears to be considerable variation in the practice of local authorities in London in making interim use of property bought for redevelopment, and he would like to commend to all authorities the best practice that has been brought to his notice.

Good practice has two aims. The first is to make the fullest use of property awaiting demolition. The second is to avoid taking on a rehousing commitment to people who may not be those in most need. A continuing programme of redevelopment and improvement depends on a constant supply of property to rehouse the families displaced and this would be put in jeopardy by taking on such additional commitments. (The Minister appreciates that those with the greatest claims on the authority may be reluctant to accept temporary accommodation when they hope by waiting a little longer to get something better and more permanent, avoiding the upheaval and expense of two moves.)

With these aims in mind, it seems reasonable for the council themselves to bring into use, for their own housing purposes, property which has a fair remaining life, say more than two years, and which can be put into tenantable condition at reasonable cost. With the change in practice which has largely stopped the splitting up of families when taken into welfare accommodation, the Council may also have a use, as temporary accommodation, of property with a somewhat shorter life.

61W

The precise point at which it ceases to be worthwhile for a council to use this property themselves will vary with the needs, the condition of the property, and its attractiveness to those with the first call on the council's help. This each council must naturally decide for themselves, but in view of the great housing pressures in London the Minister urges all local authorities to go just as far as they can in this direction.

This will still leave other property in poorer condition or with a shorter remaining life. There are a number of Housing Associations who have shown themselves able to help by specialising in the use of such short-life property. They will find their own tenants and rehouse them themselves when the time comes for demolition. By that time the council may have further houses to offer, so that a fruitful continuing partnership can be maintained so long as housing pressures require such property to be used. The council will wish to consider what charge to make the Association for the use of the property, but in most cases this will presumably be a nominal one.

Where property is so bad, or its residual life so short, that such Associations are not prepared to take it over, the council will no doubt demolish it as soon as possible, and if for any reason demolition must be delayed, secure the property so far as practicable.

Where the practices recommended above have been introduced they appear to have had success in bringing more property into sensible temporary use. The Minister strongly recommends them to all local authorities in London, and urges those who do not already operate along such lines to consider as a matter of urgency what changes they should make in their policies.