Case study – Ex-local authority empty home bought back

An ex-local authority empty property in West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) provided an opportunity to use empty homes to increase social housing quickly. The property became empty following the death of the owner and with a buy back policy in place, the EHO was able to progress this case and another family home is now available in council supply.

‘As an Authority it now means we have increased our housing stock and now have full ownership of this block, this will make it much easier for the Authority to carry out communal works and works to meet SHQS, which will ultimately help to reduce the tenants’ heating costs.’ – Karen Rae, West-Dunbartonshire EHO.

• The main aims of the WDC “buy back” scheme are:
• To acquire housing which can increase the stock of WDC social housing,
• To help maintain or create viable sustainable communities,
• To assist with managing the effects of Welfare Reform,
• To assist the council with SHQS /capital Improvements,
• To potentially assist with Empty homes.

In the video below, John Kerr, Housing Development & Homelessness Manager, West Dunbartonshire Council talks more about the merits of using empty homes for social housing.