The Empty Homes Service has been welcomed by Islanders who want to address the issue of vacant homes in Jersey. In its first week, the Service received information about 110 empty properties, representing 12% of the estimated 900 truly vacant homes.
Islanders are being encouraged to get in contact if they see or know of an empty property that they would like to see brought back into use. They can notify the service using the online webform at www.gov.je/emptyhomes.
Minister for Housing and Communities, Deputy David Warr, said: “I’m so pleased with the way in which Islanders have responded to the launch of the Empty Homes Service. To have got information coming through relating to over 100 properties in these first few days means we can start to build up a clearer picture and begin to find solutions.
“All homes brought to the attention of the Service will be subject to a case review, which will determine what can be done to support bringing them back into use.
“Where empty homes are also in a neglected and poor condition, we will consider these for referral to the Regulation team, where land condition notices requiring the owner of the property to take action can be served, in line with the Planning and Building Law.”
The new service also offers advice to home-owners, to help them navigate through the challenges of bringing an empty home back into use. It can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01534 441614.
The Minister for Housing and Communities will report on the activities of the Service later this year and may bring forward additional measures to bring empty homes back into use, should that be considered necessary.
Government of Jersey News Release