Residents asked to report empty homes

Council officer Peter Harrison wants to know how many privately owned homes in South Kesteven are empty

Residents in South Kesteven have been asked to report houses that are not being lived in.

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) said they would like to gain a better understanding of the number of privately owned homes that are standing empty, so that they could potentially bring them back into use.

The authority said council tax data provided them with some information about empty homes.

Councillor Virginia Moran said: "Homes are built to be lived in, not to stand empty".

The authority said properties can be empty for periods of up to six months for reasons such as relocation, exchanges or probate.

They said properties that are left longer than that can deteriorate over time and attract vermin or anti-social behaviour.

In extreme cases, the council said that they can take enforcement action, but they prefer to work with owners.

Peter Harrison, a council officer tasked with overseeing the project, said owning an empty home can be very stressful.

"Here at SKDC we have the ability and the skill sets to work with people to help them achieve the best possible outcome for them," he said.

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