Empty Homes Strategy 2026 – 2031 Consultation

The draft Strategy sets out how, over the next 5 years, the Council will work with landlords, residents and other stakeholders to shape and facilitate bringing empty properties back into use. The Council is committed to continue to tackle empty homes across RCT and increase the number of homes being brought back into use.

Empty private sector homes represent a wasted resource and are a financial expense both to the owners and the Council and in many cases a missed opportunity to provide much needed affordable housing for residents. Not only are they a waste of a valuable housing resource, but they can cause blight to communities and distress to residents affected by their unsightly appearance and propensity to attract crime and anti-social behaviour

The strategy is supported by the following four objectives that will drive its delivery:

1. Strengthen partnerships with Registered Social Landlords and the private sector that will support empty homes being brought back into use
2. Provide advice, assistance and financial support to empty property owners to increase the number of empty homes that are brought back into use
3. Deliver proportionate and effective enforcement powers to bring empty homes back into use
4. Support regeneration and community wellbeing by providing targeted empty homes interventions for different housing market areas and improve community outcomes

The consultation provides residents with the opportunity to comment and contribute to the final draft of the strategy.

The consultation document can be found on this page.

If you would like to take part in the consultation, this can be done in a number of ways:

Online

Contact us

You are welcome to communicate with us in Welsh and this will not lead to a delay.