It’s not officially launched until next week, but ReportEmptyHomes.com is being used successfully already so what the hell. The simple idea behind this new website is that councils respond their citizens. The cynical may question this, but I think it works and I hope this new website proves it.
Enter a postcode or road and the website takes you to a mini map, click on where the empty property is, fill in a few brief details and send. That’s it. The empty property is reported automatically to the council and it will keep bothering them until they do something about it. Councils have the powers to tackle empty homes and I believe that with this new tool they can direct them to where it is needed most.
Cynics also suggested that councils would ignore the website. But early evidence says not. So far today there are 17 new properties reported on the site and 21 responses from councils. As Victor Keagan pointed out in yesterday’s Guardian if councils embrace websites like this it will probably help everyone. So far at least, it looks as if they are.
What are you people on about? Councils keep lists of empty properties as part of council tax lists, they even give them out as part of FOI legislation. They already KNOW where most of the empty properties are.
ReplyDeleteBut anon, that's only half the battle. Half the councils in this country don't do anything about it. This website makes them accountable for properties that have been reported by thier constituents. What could be more democratic? Many councils are instinctively reactive organsiations.Let's give them something to react to
ReplyDeleteWhat business of yours or the council is it if people leave properties empty?!!
ReplyDeleteYou are all snooping busy bodies!
I’m I the only one that thinks this is a bad idea? This site is a one stop shop for thieves to plan there day to day activities. Yes, tell me where the empty houses are and better yet, I can print a road map. I for one won’t be listing the house next to mine that is empty. It already has been vandalized 3 times and I live in a gated community.
ReplyDeleteMost long term empty houses don't contain things worth stealing, unless we're talking about stripping the house of valuable metals/sanitary ware. Thieves don't need to rely on a silly little council site. They use estate agents sites instead.
ReplyDeleteWell lets see, the house next store just lost 2 AC units and copper. Thieves didn't need to even go into the house! You are wrong about thieves not relying on concil sites. They are lazy and look for the easiest way to get the info they need and this site makes it easy.
ReplyDeleteSo what's your better plan for getting these empty homes back ino use? Sit back and let the oh so booming housing market do it?
ReplyDeleteSquat them again and again until the owners put them to good use. There should be an organisation devoted to just that.
ReplyDeleteI think Empty Homes' Chief Executive David Ireland is often quoted in the housing press, and is a respected spokesperson for empty homes work
ReplyDelete