Figures released last week show the capital has more than 80,000 homes lying empty. The figures, released by the Empty Homes Agency, show the number increased from 80,691 to 82,327 between 2007 and 2008 despite falling the previous year.
Darren Johnson, who represents the Green Party on the London Assembly, commented: “The number of London homes left empty is rising. With a record low in home buying and an increase in repossessions we are likely to see more and more empty properties down every street. The Mayor has got to get to grips with this before it gets out of control.”
“In addition to delivering on his promise to fully audit London’s abandoned and derelict empty homes, working to remove council tax discounts on long term empty homes, and investing £60m to bring empty homes back into use, the Mayor should also work with councils and the government to increase the use and scope of powers allowing local authorities to take possession of the most problematic empty properties.”
