FOI request (FOIR-600446183)

Social Housing

Requested Thu 28 March 2024
Responded Fri 02 August 2024

I would like to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I would like to know:

1. How many units of social housing that your Council own/manage are currently void/vacant?

a. What %age of your social housing portfolio does this equate to?

b. Over what period are these voids (that is, when did the first property become void and when was the most recent)?

c. What are the reasons for these voids?

d. When do you expect these properties to be brought back into use?

2. How many units of private housing that your Council own/manage are currently void/vacant?

a. What %age of your private housing portfolio does this equate to?

b. Over what period are these voids (that is, when did the first property become void and when was the most recent)?

c. What are the reasons for these voids?

d. When do you expect these properties to be brought back into use?

Response

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding.

For context, please note that Hastings Borough Council completed a Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) of its housing stock in 1996 and subsequently only has a relatively small portfolio of properties which are used for temporary and move-on accommodation.

1. 10

a. 29%

b. 13th November 2023 to 28th March 2023

c. All 10 of the properties are void as they have been purchased as part of the Council's acquisition programme and are being refurbished to the Council's 'Fit to Let' standard in order to let. Some properties require extensive works.

d. Phased lets but not beyond July 2024.

2. Zero (as at 31st March 2024)

a. Not applicable

b. Not applicable

c. Not applicable

d. Not applicable