- Over three-quarters of respondents do not leave any further comments on the proposed interventions
- The most frequently made comments relate to having more interventions and powers to force behaviour change amongst empty homeowners, although almost the same proportion call for respect for property owners and personal circumstances that affect people’s decision-making concerning empty homes
Further comments on the proposed interventions
Summary
Do you have any (other) comments to make about the informal and formal interventions suggested?
Base: Total sample (468)
| wdt_ID | Key themes | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | More interventions/powers needed | 5 |
| 3 | Respect property owners and their individual circumstances | 4 |
| 12 | Earlier intervention needed/quicker resolution | 4 |
| 13 | Action, not words/not deliverable | 3 |
| 14 | Action to deter HMOs, short-term rentals and second homes | 2 |
| 15 | Support property owners/appropriate communication | 2 |
| 16 | Doesn't resolve the housing issues | 1 |
| 17 | Criticism of the survey/wording | 1 |
| 18 | General positive comments about the strategy | 1 |
| 19 | Systemic change required e.g. legislative change from central government | 1 |
| 20 | Use commercial sites as well | 1 |
| 21 | Other e.g. focus on housing British-born citizens, set up a mixed department working group, generally against the strategy, lacks incentives for owners, empty home is preferable to some tenants | 3 |
| 22 | Na/no comment | 76 |
“I am not sure owners will respond. There needs to be clear demarcation between can’t and won’t. If properties are buy to let or second properties for individuals, these should be taken by the council to use as they are not needed to house the owners.”
“In the current climate homes are hard to sell. They can’t be reduced to a low price just to move it on, that would not make financial sense. I think people need support and some help to make the properties attractive.”
“Keep the timescales to minimum. Find out thr [sic] circumstances as soon as the property is highlighted as empty and notify of requirements. Take swift action.”
“Undertake this project in a determined, positive manner. Do not accept failure and ensure results are as they were intended or simply put it back on the “too hard pile” for a few more years. Don’t play at it, get it done.”
“PCC must clearly make owners aware that they do not want HMOs/short term rentals. Introduce substantial annual fees. Also include second home owners in this.”
