Despite the average length of time being 11 weeks for a council property to remain vacant, two council houses in Alloa have been empty for almost two years. The two homes are due to be adapted for tenants with disabilities and council officials say the delay is due to the extensive work required as well as the tendering process.
The controversial delay comes at a time when thousands remain on the council’s waiting list for a new home and even though the percentage of vacant council properties in Alloa is less than 2%, putting it among the lowest throughout Scotland, Councillor Mark English feels that the time taken for the work calls into question the whole process. Social housing is in high demand across the country and the council are planning to build the first new council houses to be protected by landlords insurance in thirty years. According to figures from homeless charity Shelter Scotland, there were 3000 people on the council house waiting list.
Councillor English said: “A clear inspection of the processes involved seems to be required in this case to ensure housing is not left void for long periods of time. We have a housing shortage at the moment and many are desperate for a house. Properties which are left empty for long periods of time lead to a loss of income for the council. I am fully supportive of the need for the council to realise housing for the disabled is crucial to enhance quality of life; however, two years seems an excessive amount of time for a property to be vacant.”
The two properties have had eighty applications, of which thirty-two have a moderate or severe medical priority. The council say they are very close to starting the work and are looking forward to seeing new tenants moving into the refurbished homes.