§ 24. Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on empty residential property owned by his Department.
§ Mr. HanleyEmpty residential properties which are surplus to long term requirements are sold wherever possible. Empty properties which are required in the long term but for which there is no immediate need are wherever possible leased to local authorities and over 900 properties are currently on lease in this way. Not all empty properties are surplus to requirements however as some are undergoing major maintenance or refurbishment and others are earmarked for incoming families and future deployments.