Decision details

To consider progress made with Park Home Licences & the Empty Homes Strategy.

(1)        That, following the previous Cabinet decision in November 2009, the work carried out by the temporary part-time Technical Officer post in the Private Sector Housing (Technical) Team since July 2010 be noted;

(2)        That, in order to maximise the significant potential income to the Council from the New Homes Bonus through bringing long-term empty properties back into use (estimated to be £210,000 over the next six years for 2010/11), the hours of the Technical Officer post be increased from 28 to 36 hours a week;

(3)        That the additional cost of approximately £6,500 per annum be funded by savings on the salaries budget until April 2013 and a Continuing Services Budget growth bid in the sum of approximately £32,610 be made to fund the post after April 2013;

(4)        That, in order to sustain the potential high level of income to the Council through the New Homes Bonus, the position be made permanent;

(5)        That, following the recent resignation of the current post-holder, the post be advertised externally if an internal appointment could not be made; and

(6)        That the Housing Scrutiny Panel be requested to review the work of the newly appointed Technical Officer and the number of empty properties brought back into use after a period of 12 months.