Commitment and Strategy
A home should be a place of warmth, security and hope, and the foundation for people to live healthy and successful lives. However, too many homes in our district sit empty, abandoned, and forgotten. These properties can attract crime and vandalism and make communities feel run-down. With rising homelessness and increasing demand for affordable housing, the need to make the best use of all existing housing across our district is essential.
We believe that every home should have a purpose. That’s why we are committed to bringing empty homes back into use.
Our We Are Wychavon Plan sets out our promise to bring at least 30 empty homes back into use by 2028.
To achieve this, we have invested in new resources, including a dedicated Empty Homes Officer who is already working with property owners, landlords, and local partners to give these homes a new purpose. The results are already making a difference, and we have already been recognised for our work in this area, winning the Empty Homes Network Awards “Best use of Social Media Award” and jointly winning the “Rising Star Award”.
Bringing empty homes back into use benefits everyone. It helps meet the demand for housing, strengthens communities, and improves local areas. Together, we will turn empty houses into homes again, because every home matters, and everyone deserves a place to call their own.
Cllr Rick Deller
Executive Board Member for Housing, Customer and Regulatory Services