Council launches district-wide review to target empty homes
Lewes District Council has announced a range of measures to bring empty homes back into use as part of Empty Homes Week 2025.
Councillor Mark Slater, Cabinet Member for Tenants and Those in Housing Need, said: "The Empty Homes Week campaign has my full support. It's unacceptable to have vacant homes when so many in our district struggle to find housing.
"Last year we increased council tax premiums on empty homes to encourage owners to bring these properties back into much-needed use, and from this April we will be introducing further charges on second homes.
"And in the coming months, we will be conducting a thorough review of empty homes in the district."
April 2024 saw the introduction of council tax premiums of up to 300 per cent for owners of long-term empty properties in Lewes district. This April, the council will start charging a 100% premium on second homes.
Additionally, the council is promoting its Direct Lets scheme which helps landlords and owners of empty homes rent to people on the council's housing register. The benefits for landlords include direct rent payments, no commission or finders' fees, free tenant referencing, financial help to update safety certificates or carry out minor repairs, as well as having a National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) approved rent guarantor. More details are available at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/DirectLets
The council is also encouraging residents to report any long-term empty homes that are causing concern in their neighbourhood at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/contact-us-form
Councillor Slater added: "We are focusing on developing affordable housing and enhancing the overall quality of life in our communities by eliminating the blight of empty, dilapidated homes."
The charity Action on Empty Homes is running national Empty Homes Week from March 3 to 9.
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