1 December 2008

Eight local authorities in Surrey and Hampshire, including Guildford Borough Council, have joined forces to launch a website to help bring empty homes back into use.  The website, which goes live today (1 December) offers members of the public the chance to tell their local council when they spot an empty property, so that steps can then be taken to bring it back into use.

Cllr Andrew French, Lead Councillor for Housing says: "Guildford is not alone in facing a shortage of housing, which is why we have joined with a number of neighbouring authorities to help tackle the issue together.  It is important that we find ways to maximise the potential of empty homes and this website will help us identify more in the borough."

The Every Home Counts website (this page opens in a new window) also offers landlords and developers information about selling, buying, owning and letting empty properties as well as information on relevant legislation and other national initiatives.  In particular the Council's Homes 4 U scheme offers a specialised tenant finding, deposit and support scheme for landlords.

It is estimated that there are at least 3,500 empty properties in Surrey and Hampshire, many of which could provide accommodation for those that do not have their own homes.  Eight local authorities have joined forces, following a successful funding bid from the Regional House Board in January this year, to create a strategy to tackle this issue and the Every Home Counts website is an important part of the plan.