Empty homes problem under review

Calderdale is to update its strategy to take into account changes in legislation, the economy and environment when the Cabinet meets on Monday.

Empty homes affect all areas of the borough and at the end of 2009 there were 3310 homes empty for over six months.

The strategy aims to reduce the number of homes left empty long-term in Calderdale. The council aims to prevent homes from becoming empty by encouraging landlords and owners to seek assistance from the authority in a variety of ways.

The council's Portfolio Holder for Economy and the Environment, Amanda Byrne said housing is needed throughout Calderdale, particularly for families with children.

"We need to ensure that as much housing stock is available as possible. We can do this by working with our partners in other agencies and the private housing sector to try to prevent properties becoming empty but, where they do, acting quickly to ensure that new tenants are able to move in as quickly as possible."