Annual Report 2023
Looking ahead
Empty homes work in Scotland was starting from a low base when the partnership began in 2010. 13 years later the picture is very different, as other parts of the UK and the rest of the world, now look to Scotland as an example. This is something that would not have been possible without the…
[…]Case study – Raising awareness of VAT discounts as a tool to help owners
We were contacted by an owner who had recently purchased a property not realising how long it had been empty or what support was available. Thanks to their contact with SEHAS they learned of VAT discounts and received support from their local EHO to evidence the property had in fact been empty for 8 years.…
[…]Meeting our strategic objectives 5 – Run the Scottish Empty Homes Advice Service
The Scottish Empty Homes Advice Service (SEHAS) helps anyone with an empty homes issue. Since the service review in 2019 we broadened our reach and are developing resources in line with the Scottish Government’s Housing to 2040’s pledge to develop a support package for owners as a preventative measure. We received 441 contacts this year,…
[…]SEHP conference
The theme of this year’s conference, held at The Engine Shed in Stirling was sustainability with the title ‘Repair, Reuse, Revitalise’. Speakers included Shona Robison MSP, cabinet secretary for housing, John Kerr, housing development & homelessness manager at West Dunbartonshire Council, and Chris Morgan director, John Gilbert Architects. The conference also saw the launch of…
[…]Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Best Practice and Knowledge Sharing Network Event
We continually seek to share any solutions and means to bring homes back into use and Compulsory Purchase Orders is another potential tool. This is identified as a strategic priority as our survey data shows that this power is being used infrequently among Scottish Local Authorities. Glasgow City Council is active and effective in using…
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