Give Local Authorities the power to purchase empty residential properties

Local authorities should be able to purchase empty properties after a period of 2 years. These properties can then be used for social housing or be refurbished and sold. Empty derelict properties are an eyesore and a health hazard.

Local authorities already have a number of powers in respect of empty properties, including compulsory purchase. You can find out about local authorities’ powers to tackle empty housing here: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03012

Deciding whether to use these powers is a matter for individual local authorities, not the Government or House of Commons. You could start a new petition calling on the Government to require local authorities to take action, such as initiating compulsory purchase proceedings, if a residential property has been vacant for two years or more.