Council puts spotlight on empty city homes

DO YOU know of a property that has fallen into disrepair, needs securing or is attracting anti-social behaviour?

This National Empty Homes week people in Portsmouth are being asked to let Portsmouth City Council know of properties in their area that are causing them concern.

And if you own a property that is currently empty, the team can support you to bring it back to use.

The number of long-term empty homes in Portsmouth fell significantly by 20% to 961 in 2022, which means they make up just over 1 percent of housing in the city, similar to the national average.

Councillor Darren Sanders, cabinet member for housing and preventing homelessness, said: “I’m really encouraged by the good work that has been done to reduce the number of empty homes in the city. In a city with limited space, this is something we’re very keen to address, and I’d encourage anyone that has seen an empty home that is causing them concern, or has a property they’d like to return to use, to get in touch with the team.”

You can get in touch with the housing team by calling 023 9268 8369 or emailing psh@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

National Empty Homes Week runs until Sunday, March 5, and focuses on bringing wasted empty homes back into use and taking action on empty homes that negatively impact neighbourhoods.

https://www.actiononemptyhomes.org/national-empty-homes-week

PICTURED: A row of terraced houses and Portsmouth City Council wants to know if any have been left empty