The Council is able to issue an Empty Dwelling Management Order where a property has stood unoccupied for a long period of time and there is no real prospect of them being used in the near future.   The aim being to ensure there is more affordable rented accommodation in the district to support local families.

The council estimates that there are currently more than 300 empty homes in the district that have remained empty for than six months or longer.

Bringing some of these properties back into use supports the Council's priority this year of working to secure the delivery of a re-vitalised housing market to provide access to homes for those who need and want them.  This forms part of the Council long-term commitment to developing healthier communities.

Chair of Selby District Council's Social Board, Cllr Gillian Ivey said, "The aim is to help us to ensure that the homes here in the Selby district are available for local families.  In some areas there are perfectly useable properties which have stood empty for some time.  We think it's right that these are brought back into use to meet local needs.

Adding, "Applying for an Empty Dwelling Management Order is a last resort.  We will always try to work with the property owner to bring the home back onto the rental market in the first instance, but adopting these powers does give us the option of taking strong action if it's needed".

Prior to applying for an Empty Dwelling Management Order, in each case the Council would have to prove that it had taken all reasonable steps to work alongside the property owner to bring the home back into use.  A final decision on each case would be made by an independent Residential Property Tribunal.