Barking and Dagenham Council Approves New Policy to Tackle Empty Homes
Barking and Dagenham Council has approved a new policy aimed at tackling the 410 empty homes across the borough. The policy introduces increased council tax premiums for long-term vacant properties and second homes, alongside a more robust framework for identification and enforcement.
The Cabinet met on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, to discuss and recommend the approval of a revised Empty Property Policy. Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, presented the policy, highlighting the significant rise in empty properties from 202 in 2015 to 410 in 2025. This increase is particularly concerning given that over 6,300 households are currently on the housing register.
The new policy outlines a comprehensive framework for identifying, supporting, and taking enforcement action against owners of empty properties. Properties are considered 'long-term vacant' if they have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for 12 months or more. The policy details an initial engagement at the six-month mark, with council tax premiums applied at 12 months, and escalated enforcement consideration after 24 months of vacancy. Properties are prioritised for investigation if they have been vacant for over two years and meet additional criteria, such as being an eyesore, attracting anti-social behaviour, being insecure, causing community complaints, or having been subject to previous enforcement action with recoverable debts.
Support measures for owners include a leasing scheme, a rent deposit scheme, and VAT incentives for renovations. For enforcement, the council can utilise Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs), enforced sale procedures, and compulsory purchase orders.
Council tax premiums will be applied as follows: 200% for properties vacant for one to five years, 300% for five to ten years, and 400% for over ten years. Second homes will attract a 100% premium from April 2026.
Councillor Maureen Worby welcomed the policy, stating it sends a clear message about the need to bring empty properties back into use. Councillor Ben Suter questioned the fundamental changes beyond council tax premiums. Councillor Ghani assured that a dedicated officer would now focus solely on empty homes, supported by new government powers. These powers, as mentioned in the meeting information, reflect revised government guidance on council tax premiums for long-term empty homes and second homes. While the specific details of all 'new government powers' are not elaborated upon, the council has also indicated an intention to actively use new government powers to prevent the opening of new betting shops.
The implementation of the dedicated officer role and associated support is not expected to incur additional financial implications or budget pressures, as an Empty Homes Officer is already in post. However, future expansion of EDMO activity could present staffing, financial, or operational implications that would require separate consideration.
The Cabinet moved to recommend the approval of the revised LBBD Empty Property Policy, as detailed in the public reports pack Public reports pack Tuesday 13-Oct-2026 19.00 Cabinet.
