- Those who agree with Objective 4 frequently comment that it will stop issues with empty properties from developing, and in doing so, helps to free up homes for those who need them more quickly. They are in favour of proactive actions and think that it saves money to intervene early and that Objective 4 is self-evident and a good thing to be doing
- Conversely, those who disagree make a plea for flexibility and point out that personal circumstances can have a big impact; that it is the choice of the owner to decide what to do and when; and again, that it is nothing to do with the Council
Objective 4: Reasons for agreement or disagreement
Summary
Why do you agree with objective 4?
Base: All those who agree or strongly agree with objective 4 (464)
| wdt_ID | Key themes | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stops issues developing or properties deteriorating too far | 23 |
| 3 | Frees suitable homes for those on the waiting list or unsuitably housed and does so more quickly | 12 |
| 12 | Good to intervene early/sooner the better/proactive approach | 11 |
| 13 | Saves money if action taken sooner e.g. repairs and making good | 8 |
| 14 | Sensible idea/good idea/obvious thing to do | 7 |
| 15 | Right moment to intervene can vary but good to get communication channels open, offer support and find out the reasons a property is empty e.g. probate or other legal issues, slow sale, bereavement, illness | 5 |
| 16 | Reduce number of long-term empty properties | 5 |
| 17 | Ensures the owner is kept aware of their responsibilities | 3 |
| 18 | Better for the community/improves the neighbourhood | 2 |
| 19 | Other e.g. reduce need for new builds, could Council purchase some properties themselves, stop the city declining, query the definition of "earliest opportunity", bring commercial premises into use as well, could create unnecessary work, mechanism to make owners inform the council when a property is going to be empty | 5 |
| 20 | Na/no comment | 40 |
Why do you disagree with objective 4?
Base: All those who disagree or strongly disagree with objective 4 (85)
| wdt_ID | Key themes | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Need for flexibility because of circumstances | 29 |
| 3 | Property owner's choice | 15 |
| 12 | Nothing to do with the Council/should focus on their own responsibilities | 15 |
| 13 | "Intervene" is vague and threatening/people can work to their own timetables | 9 |
| 14 | Wait for the owner to contact the Council | 8 |
| 15 | Money-making for the Council | 6 |
| 16 | Need to find out the reasons for a proerty being empty first | 4 |
| 17 | Empty better than undesirable occupants | 4 |
| 18 | Other e.g.need to be more proactive, waste of resources/money, in a housing crisis, what constitutes "earliest opportunity", won't make much difference to the housing shortage | 15 |
| 19 | Na/no comment | 20 |
