Question reference: S5W-25163
- Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 5 September 2019
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 19 September 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to extend the Empty Homes Partnership programme.
Answer
In response to Alison Johnstone MSP’s previous question (S5O-03432 on 26 June 2019), I announced my intention to carry out an internal review of our empty home policy to ensure we maximise the numbers brought back into use. We consider the work of the Partnership to be a strong success, but it is right that we review progress to date.
In doing so, I will carefully consider the evidence gathered by the Local Government and Communities Committee during their Empty Homes Inquiry and any recommendations they wish to make. The review will include the work of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, funds that support empty homes work, the use of the council tax levy for long-term empty homes, data collection, and work undertaken internationally to bring homes back into use. I therefore have no immediate plans to extend the work of the Partnership whilst the review is taking place.
The answer to oral parliamentary question is available on the Parliaments website, the Official Report can be viewed at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=12208&i=110280