§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the change in the amount of empty council housing in England. [1294]
§ Ms KeebleFigures showing the level of empty council housing need to be seen in the context of local authorities' overall strategies for addressing deprived areas, and areas of low demand. In this respect an increase in properties awaiting demolition may be a relevant factor. It is clearly important that local authorities turn round empty properties which are available for letting, whether immediately or after minor repairs, as quickly as possible.