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Legal News

Amidst the housing crisis 200,000 homes in England lie empty (25 April 2017)

Date: 25/04/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Amidst the housing crisis 200,000 homes in England lie empty

Government data has found that more than 200,000 homes in England were empty for at least six months during 2016. The properties collect a total value of £43bn, with London being the worst affected city, followed by Birmingham. The properties are lying empty despite Britain’s on going housing crisis, and the shortage of properties to rent and buy.

It was recently reported that homeless families in London are being offered housing a great distance from London, disrupting their employment, schooling and family connections if families accept, and leaving them at risk of gaining an “intentionally homeless” status if they decline. Meanwhile, in 2016 there were 19,845 unoccupied homes across London for over six months, amounting to approximately £9.4bn.

In response, squatter groups in London have attempted to occupy empty homes in London; one group took over a £15m central London mansion owned by a Russian oligarch and attempted to open it as a homeless shelter.

Asif Anwar of Duncan Lewis Solicitors comments:

“With the growing number of people now being housed outside of London, it is alarming that so many homes lie vacant in the Capital. Councils and governments must work to cut the number of empty homes to avoid worsening the existing housing crisis.”

Author Asif Anwar is a Trainee Solicitor. Asif mainly assists vulnerable client in their Homelessness, Disrepair, Possession and other housing law matters. He is highly committed to providing upstanding legal assistance to each of his clients. He appreciates that each client’s matter is unique and deserves the utmost diligence, care and attention.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

If the housing you were provided with by the council is in poor condition, if you are homeless and need help applying for housing, or if you are affected by the housing crisis, Duncan Lewis Solicitors may be able to help you. Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. The Duncan Lewis housing team specialises in representation in all social housing proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review relating to homelessness, disrepair, succession for tenants and neighbourhood disputes against local authorities.

If you have any housing related queries or require representation please do not hesitate to contact our team of expert solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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