Response 1083102

Response to request for information

Reference

1083102

Response date

12 April 2023

Request

Survey, an investigation on how regenerating vacant properties in England can help tackle the social and affordable housing shortage.

Response

1. Which local authority do you work for?
   • Name of local authority: Rushcliffe Borough Council
2. Does this local government have an empty homes officer?
   • Yes
3. How many vacant properties are you aware of that are in your jurisdiction?
   • 500 - 1000
4. What is the primary reason for the vacancy of these properties?
   • Legal disputes
   • Other (please specify) – Owner Apathy
5. What is the current demand for affordable housing in your jurisdiction?
   • Very high demand
6. How many affordable housing units are currently available in your jurisdiction?
   • Less than 50
7. What is the vacancy rate for affordable housing units in your jurisdiction?
   • Less than 5%
8. How many vacant properties have you successfully regenerated in the past 12 months?
   • 11 - 20
9. What was/are the primary source of funding for the regeneration of these properties?
   • Private investment
10. Have you/are you partnered with any external organisations to help regenerate vacant properties in your jurisdiction?
    • No
11. If yes, please specify the type of organisations you have/are partnered with.
    • Not applicable
12. What is the primary source of funding for affordable housing development in your jurisdiction?
    • Government funding
    • Private investment
    • Community funding
    • Other (please specify) - The vast majority of affordable housing in Rushcliffe is provided under planning policy obligations. Hence the subsidy for the affordable housing is provided by the landowner/developer as part of the requirements of the planning permission. The Registered Provider (Affordable housing landlord) will also part fund the development of the dwellings through borrowing on the back of future rental income.  
13. What are the primary barriers to increasing the supply of affordable housing in your jurisdiction?
    • Other (please specify) This would be a subjective view
14. In your opinion, what steps can be taken to increase the supply of affordable housing in your jurisdiction?
    • Other (please specify) This would be a subjective view
15. What were/are the primary challenges you faced when regenerating vacant properties?
    • Other (please specify) – The Property Owners
16. How effective do you think regenerating vacant properties is in addressing the social and affordable housing shortage in your jurisdiction?
    • Not effective at all
17. Have you seen any positive impacts on the local community from regenerating vacant properties?
    • Yes
18. If yes, please specify the positive impacts observed.
    • Other (please specify) – extra houses available, but mainly a much better quality of life to neighbours of long term empty dwellings.