Level of empty homes shocking - Rogerson

10.19.53pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 21st Oct 2006

Commenting on today's research from Halifax revealing that nearly 300,000 homes have been empty for more than six months, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, Dan Rogerson MP said: "It is shocking that so many homes are lying empty and unwanted while hard-working families are priced out of the housing market."

"Labour has failed when it comes to housing the nation. Britain needs sustainable homes for all - bringing some of these empty homes back into use would be a useful first step. The long term solution must be to build quality and affordable, energy efficient homes to buy and rent."

Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats activist, Stephen Clarke, said that the local council's record on housing had been "particularly lamentable".

The leader of the Borough's Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Stephanie Eaton, noted that the Council Strategic Plan gives a target in 2006-7 for bringing empty homes up to the decent homes standard and into use. However, she commented "The council's target is a mere 17 properties. This low target means that families suffering overcrowding and those desperate for a permanent home will continue to wait. With a little bit of investment, these empty flats and houses could provide accommodation for local people in critical need. The Council must act to convert empty properties into homes for local people urgently".