A COUNCIL chief has been asked why a number of authority properties are sitting empty, despite hundreds of residents seeking a home.

Conservative Party leader on the city council, Caroline Horrill, submitted the question which was published at a council meeting.

She asked why the homes were empty in light of hundreds of residents waiting for home on the Hampshire Home Choice register.

Cllr Horrill added: “Is it political dogma preventing them from becoming available or sheer lack of focus on the affordable housing needs of the district?”

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Cabinet member for housing and asset management Cllr Kelsie Learney said that over the last six months the total number of applicants on the housing registers has reduced by over 200.

There are currently 37 properties subject to void works out of a housing stock of 5174 properties as well as seven properties that are currently held as “long term voids” which are either subject to major works or being held for potential development.

Cllr Learney said: “Most landlords are still grappling with persistent voids backlogs”. The council continued to let its housing stock throughout the pandemic in order to meet local housing need when many other housing providers paused lettings.

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“We held a number of homes empty for a considerable period for the Afghan resettlement scheme and these are now all occupied.

“We are in addition tackling the challenge of changes in demand for various types of housing. We are working closely with Hampshire County Council to improve occupancy of older extra care accommodation and reviewing our lettings policy and letting standards to ensure we can more easily let two-bedroom flats.”

 

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