Empty homes in Havering are being sought to help tackle the housing crisis - with up to 1,100 estimated to be sitting unused. 

The lack of available housing has been an ongoing issue in the borough, and was identified as one of the reasons behind spiking rates of homelessness.

Earlier this year, the Recorder spoke to Havering Council’s housing director Patrick Odling-Smee and Cllr Paul McGeary, Labour cabinet member for housing, who said the lack of available housing means it is increasingly having to place people in B&Bs. 

Now, Havering Council has launched a new initiative in which it is looking to identify empty, privately-owned homes to see if it can bring them back into use. 

Cllr McGeary said the council estimates there may be 1,100 empty properties in the borough, of which just 12 have been referred to its private sector licensing team since October. 

“We continue to make improvements to social housing in the borough through the estate improvement work, and creating new homes for local people,” he said.  

"For example, with the New Green development in Rainham soon to be providing 126 properties for rent, and the 12 Estates regeneration scheme with joint venture partner, Wates Residential.”

Visit https://www.havering.gov.uk/info/20035/building_control/174/building_control_advice/5 to report an empty property.

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