Empty properties
Councils are addressing housing pressures, including temporary accommodation costs and private sector enforcement, with empty properties remaining a broader concern.
Brent Council is facing escalating costs for temporary accommodation, with an anticipated expenditure of £38 million on nightly paid accommodation. Councillor Anup Patel highlighted this financial burden in September 2026, noting a forecast £9.5 million overspend in the first quarter of the current financial year.
Separately, Kingston upon Thames Council's People Committee approved a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy in June 2026, as part of efforts to improve services for residents.
Empty properties are unoccupied buildings or residences, identified as a concern by residents. Empty dwelling management orders (EDMOs) are a legal device in England and Wales that enable local authorities to put unoccupied property back into use as housing.
Key facts
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.