Bitesize training: Empty Homes: Legislative Powers and Practical Strategies

Overview

This fast-paced, technical session will explore the legislative powers available to tackle empty properties, offering practical insights for both Environmental Health Officers and Empty Homes Officers. Designed as a refresher for EHOs who have not dealt with empty homes recently and as a knowledge boost for non-EHO officers.

Outcomes

• Review key legislative options for addressing empty dwellings.

• Highlight opportunities for delegated authority, enabling EHOs to expand their toolkit.

• Share successful strategies used by non-EHP officers, including:

• Developing an Empty Homes Strategy.Prioritizing empty property lists.
• Convening cross-departmental meetings to coordinate enforcement.
• Provide actionable ideas for improving collaboration and tackling the most problematic properties.

While some content may be basic for experienced EHOs, it will offer valuable perspectives for officers seeking to strengthen their approach and drive results in empty homes management.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the key legislative options available for addressing empty dwellings, including Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs).

2. Understand what powers Environmental Health Officers can gain delegated authority to use when bringing empty properties back into use.

3. Explore successful approaches for developing an Empty Homes Strategy and prioritizing properties.

4. Apply practical methods for cross-departmental collaboration to tackle the most problematic empty homes.

5. Evaluate which tools and strategies are most relevant for their role and local authority context.

Who should attend?

• Environmental Health Officers
• Empty Property Officers
• Professionals working in housing and health

Why you should attend

Attending this course will help refresh and update your knowledge of the legislative powers available to tackle empty dwellings.

CPD: 2 hours