Innovative collaboration launched to tackle empty homes in Moray
Moray Council has launched an innovative collaboration to help tackle the problem of long-term empty homes across Moray.
With funding from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP), the council is working with Aberdeenshire Council to provide an Empty Homes Service for Moray.
Although the service has only recently been set up, it has already created an information and advice service to assist with bringing the estimated 1,400 empty homes in the area back into use.
The service offers online and direct support to property owners, including clear advice, guidance and signposting to discounts, alternative options and national support schemes.
As part of the service, owners of empty properties will be contacted directly with letters sent twice a year to raise awareness of the help available. The first letters are expected to be issued in late spring or early summer but empty home owners can contact the service for assistance at any time.
Aberdeenshire Council, whose Empty Homes Service has been recognised by the Scottish Government as national best practice, will run the service on Moray Council’s behalf. Funding from SEHP, a national organisation hosted by Shelter Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, has made the partnership possible.
By working together, the organisations are sharing skills and experience to help bring more empty homes back into use.
Chair of Moray Council’s Housing and Community Safety Committee, Cllr Amber Dunbar said: “This new service is about taking a practical approach to bringing more empty homes back into use. By working with an experienced partner, we can offer clear advice and support to owners and help increase the supply of homes in Moray in a sustainable and responsible way. I would encourage anyone with an empty property to come forward and access the support available, should they feel they need it.”
Cllr Anne Stirling, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee, said: “For a number of years, our housing service has been providing a wide range of advice and information around maintenance, repairs and renovations, letting, and selling that has helped empty homeowners take the next steps to bring properties back into use.
“We very much welcome this opportunity to share our skills and experience with Moray Council under this exciting partnership arrangement, and look forward to supporting staff and homeowners to build on the team’s good practice.”
Tahmina Nizam, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership National Manager, said: “I’m delighted that the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership has been able to support this collaborative initiative. We believe that every home matters and can contribute to our collective efforts to tackle the housing emergency. Ultimately, no house was built to sit empty, they all deserve a chance to be homes again. This initiative will provide the practical support necessary to give Moray’s empty homes that chance.”
The Moray Empty Homes information and advice service is now live and can be accessed here or by emailing emptyhomes@moray.gov.uk.