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Fair enough, I'm sure you're right but that's not to say something can't be done. According to this news report there could be around 800k empty houses in the UK although this is disputed later in the article with a figure nearer 200k...

Gotcha. Yes, you're probably right there.

Come on matey. That's not fair. I've already said it's fraught with difficulties. I'm not saying it's a quick or easy process at all, I'm sure it's not but if looked at properly, maybe a workable scheme could be put in place.

Precisely this. We don't have nearly enough social housing and little or no affordable housing for private purchase here in the South and it desperately needs looking at. Maybe a radical change in the law is needed for property speculation which certainly aggravates the problems. I honestly have...

1. By using the method already in use to charge extra council tax. The government guidelines state a few examples of those exempt and this would seem to be a good place to draw the line. 2. I would have thought the existing method checks for this. 3. Of course not but a) millionaire property...

I'm sure they don't but you were asking how we could know if a property is empty. If anyone has applied then we have our first candidates. I don't work for local government so no idea how widespread this surcharge on empty properties is but if there are properties already identified and paying...

There is a very easy way for some of the properties. You can apply for a council tax rebate if your house is empty. Councils also have the right to charge up to an extra 50% council tax if a house has been empty for more than 2 years. I'd start with any houses with either a rebate or a...

I think this thread shows that for most people, it's not about politics.

Extensive photos and film of property before it was borrowed and full list of inventory signed and countersigned by council and owner prior to anyone moving in would fix that issue. If damage is done thereafter it falls on the council.

Then there would be a very easy loophole. Go to a second hand furniture place and kit out your empty gaff with furniture. Maybe offer the owners the chance to get their own removals people and reimburse (up to a set limit), if not then council do it. Could be a legal minefield though with risk...

You could be onto something. Anyone with a long-time vacant property (say 3 years) that isn't or wasn't their main residence might find that it gets requisitioned for max of say, 6 months in a 3 year period. Put measures in place so that say, old people in long-term care or those working abroad...

Yup. No Corbyn fan but if there's a long-time vacant property in Kensington and there's a desperate need to house people then as a short-term solution I think it needs considering. Prioritise it so that families are housed first, families sign agreement to be good tenants, make it clear that it...