Reading Liberal Democrats

Reading Liberal Democrats have successfully called for Reading Borough Council to put in place a strategy to bring almost a thousand empty homes back into use.

A motion moved by Gareth Epps (Lib Dem, Katesgrove) and seconded by Kirsten Bayes (Lib Dem, Redlands) at last night’s (16 Oct) Council meeting highlighted the waste of having hundreds of homes derelict (estimates vary from 350 to 2,000), and called for the Council to use legal powers to bring properties into use. Liberal Democrat Councillors in Caversham and central Reading have been pressing the Council to take action on a number of properties in their area.

Following a Labour amendment which weakened parts of the motion calling on the Council to use the device to improve energy efficiency in properties, the call for a strategy was passed.

Moving the motion, Cllr Gareth Epps said:

‘These properties are a waste of resources and good homes. Sometimes properties get caught in probate or complex legal issues; but the problem in Reading is that under Labour the Council has no strategy, and the resources to tackle the issue have been nowhere near sufficient. With high-profile properties such as the Silver Street junction left derelict, the Council itself is setting the worst example.’

Redlands Lib Dem Councillor Daisy Benson said:

‘We have been raising this issue for over a year and there is still no action. With huge pressure on housing, there are no excuses left for Labour to duck this issue.’

After the debate, Gareth Epps said:

‘We are delighted to achieve progress at last on empty properties. Lib Dem councillors have been working with a Council that has been short of resources, and short of a strategy to guide officers. The disappointment was Labour’s lack of commitment on reducing carbon emissions, and the Conservatives’ lack of commitment to or understanding of the issue.’