This Council notes that:

-     Britain faces a shortage of affordable and sustainable housing

-     Current Greater Manchester Spatial Framework proposals to meet demand by building on ‘greenbelt’ land are highly unpopular with residents in Trafford

-     There are currently more than 2,000 unoccupied and substantially unfurnished empty homes in Trafford, many of which have been empty for over two years, some considerably longer. A rise of 16% since 2017.

-     There are currently more than 19,000 unoccupied and substantially unfurnished empty homes across greater Manchester

-     A significant number of these properties – both in Trafford and across the city region – are considered ‘unfit for human habitation’

This Council acknowledges the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 enabling the use of the ‘Empty Homes Premium’ model - as seen in Cheshire East - as an additional means for local authorities to encourage empty homes to be brought back in to use and welcomes the inclusion of a 50% ‘Empty Homes Premium’ in the February 2019 budget.

This Council Requires the Executive to raise the ‘Empty Homes Premium’ from 50% to 100% as part of its budget (February 2020) in line with the following timescale:

-     As of April 1st 2020 the ‘relevant maximum’ for properties empty over 2 years will be 100%

This Council also Requires the Executive to give notice of the following incremental time scale:

1.   As of 1st April 2021 the ‘relevant maximum’ for properties empty over 5 years will be 200%

2.   As of April 1st 2022 the ‘relevant maximum’ for properties over ten years empty will be 300%

This Council requires the Executive to investigate the feasibility of ‘Capped Public Works Loans’ as seen in Cheshire East, to assist with major works and help bring more properties back into use without punishing property owners.

This Council Notes the following exemptions:

-     Properties requiring major works should receive an extension of up to 12 months before the ‘relevant maximum’ is raised

-     Properties currently in ‘Trust’ or ‘Probate’ should receive an extension of up to 12 months before the ‘relevant maximum is raised

-     Properties left empty by a person who lives in accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence (for example: service personnel posted away from home)

-     Properties which are part of another property (for example: an annexe)

This Council Recognises that simply seeking to bring empty housing back into use is not enough to solve Britain’s housing crisis, but is determined to pursue every available option, especially when it is possible to avoid development on ‘Green Belt’ land.

This Council requires the Leader of the Council to:

-     Write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the leaders of all Greater Manchester local authorities urging them to work with Trafford Council to address the housing shortage in our region by supporting the resolutions of this motion

-     Write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government urging the Government highlighting the need for local authorities to be able to protect ‘Greenbelt’ land whilst addressing the housing shortage

RESOLVED: That since the time was approaching 9.30 p.m. and the meeting was to be adjourned, the Council agrees to reconvene at the rising of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council being held at 7.00 p.m. on 23 July 2019 to consider both this and the other remaining item of business, namely Item 10(h) “Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group – Members’ Allowances Increases for Labour Councillors”.