Issue - meetings

This report updates Members on empty homes work including current figures on empty homes across the borough, trends, comparison with other Kent local authorities, recent activities and the new Empty Homes Officer post.

Members were provided with an update on the work being done to monitor and return empty homes back into use.  Current trends, activities and comparative data with other Kent local authorities were outlined.

As of 15 May 2025, there were 430 properties within the Borough empty for longer than six months and defined as long-term empty.  It was noted that within the long-term empty property numbers there were known reasons for groups of properties being empty e.g unsold units.  Members commented that the retirement property market was fragile at the moment.

It was reported that Tonbridge and Malling had the fourth lowest number of long-term empty properties in Kent.  The Borough also had the largest decrease in number when compared to 2023.  However, it was important to note that the decrease included any removal of properties from the Council Tax system.

Recent work included visits to empty properties, offering advice and support to owners and progressing a potential grant through the Kent County Council ‘No Use Empty’ Scheme.  Work was also progressing on cleansing data and responding to complaints about empty homes.

Particular reference was made to the voids reported by Clarion Housing Group and as of March 2025 this was 92 voids with 50% being void for over 90 days.  In was indicated that any property not allocated to a tenant, including those properties being repaired were considered void.  This continued to be a priority area for discussion and the Borough Council had requested Clarion’s ‘unlocking voids plan’ to understand the strategic detail.  As soon as this information was received it would be shared with Members. 

Members welcomed the successful recruitment of an Empty Homes Officer on a fixed-term contract.  An update on the officer’s progress including a project plan and impact assessment would be provided at a future meeting of the committee.