Dozens of vacant properties across Liverpool are a “drain” on council resources and must be disposed of, according to a report.
Liverpool Council is to offload more than 60 empty homes that it took ownership of for regeneration purposes as changes in policy mean the buildings are now costing the local authority money that it will not make back. A briefing to members of its strategic development and housing select committee said currently tens of thousands pounds a year is being spent on homes that sit unoccupied.
The report said the properties were acquired with the intention of being demolished as part of a site assembly or to refurbish for affordable housing. However, the houses are now seen as “a drain on council resources and cost approximately £40,000 pa to hold.
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“There are limited opportunities to secure public funding from either Homes England or the Combined Authority (as funding is still being targeted to new build) which has reduced the funding options and viability for redevelopment of the houses.” Changes in council policy mean that in the short to medium term, it is no longer pursuing being a landlord or housebuilder and is seeking to dispose of the housing stock.
The houses are all in fairly poor to bad condition, according to the report, and with the exception of the houses in the Anfield ward will require “substantial investment” to bring them back into use. There is limited scope to convert some of the houses to provide a different housing offer in the area.
The properties were shared with the council’s adults and children’s services but the condition has ruled any use out, as well as lack of budget provision to restore them to use. Units in Anfield, Picton and Granby are being considered for disposal by the council currently.
The report said: “Vacant properties have a negative impact on the neighbourhood they are in. The proposals will see empty property responsibly disposed of in a way which ensures properties are brought back into use for wider community benefit.
“The options being considered are generally intended to make the properties available for home ownership and affordable housing which is greatly needed in the wards where the properties are located.”
Discussions have taken place with housing companies about properties in Granby could be brought back into use while homes in Anfield could be sold individually on the open market “with a preference that the houses are used for owner occupation.” The proposals will be discussed at Liverpool Town Hall next Thursday.
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