Issue - meetings

This report provides the Executive Member with an update on the council’s actions to date concerning the above property following the presentation of a petition to Full Council by Cllr D Horton, and the current course of action being followed.  

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Housing be advised to note the contents of this report and the action taken to date.

Decision of the Executive Member for Housing

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To inform the Executive Member.

Member considered a report which provided an update on the council’s actions to date concerning the above property following the presentation of a petition to Full Council by Cllr D Horton, and the current course of action being followed.  

The property, which was initially in reasonable condition, had been the subject of continuous and serious damage by vandals. On a number of occasions, information had been received that the property had become open to trespass, and where this had happened, the Council had enforced Section 29 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to ensure that the building made secure.

After a long history of representations by the Council, the owners confirmed on the 2^nd March 2007 that they wished to apply for an Empty Homes Grant to bring the bungalow back into use and lease it to York Housing Association for five years, (a requirement of the scheme). Their application was due to be submitted by 17^th March 2007.  Once approved the applicant would have 12 months in which to claim the grant, however the Council would be working with the owners to ensure that work was carried out as soon as possible.

Officers reported that they had now received a completed application form and this had been signed by the Housing Association. Members queried whether there was enough funds to renovate the property. It was reported that there was sufficient funds to give the grant which would cover 75% of the costs, up to a maximum of £20 000, and the owner would need to find the other 25%.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Housing be advised to note the contents of this report and the action taken to date.

Decision of the Executive Member for Housing

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To inform the Executive Member.