Anger over ‘disgrace’ of empty homes

Empty homes were today branded a “disgraceful waste” as housing experts met in Edinburgh.

According to the Empty Homes Partnership, funded by the Scottish Government and coordinated by Shelter Scotland, there are 23,000 private sector homes lying empty across Scotland, while more than 160,000 households are stuck on waiting lists for a home.

At today’s 21st Century Homes conference, Shelter called for a greater commitment from politicians to bring empty homes back in to use.

Kristen Miller, Shelter empty homes co-ordinator, said: “Empty homes are a disgraceful waste at a time when housing demand outstrips supply. There is no end in sight for the tens of thousands of households in Scotland stuck on housing waiting lists.

“We urge councils to do all they can to make use of the houses they already have in their communities.”