Around 840 homes were classed as ‘empty’ in the Lancaster district last year, it has been revealed.
Now, Lancaster City Council is adopting a new strategy bring as many of them as possible back into use.
A new Empty Homes Strategy, adopted this week, is aiming to get 60 properties back into use every year, with Morecambe a key part of the focus, especially in the West End.
Based on 2024 figures, approximately 840 homes across the district were classed as long-term empty – vacant for over six months. The new strategy sets an ‘ambitious target’ to bring 60 homes back into use each year through interventions.
A report discussed by the council’s cabinet revealed that Lancaster has a slightly higher rate of long-term empty homes than the national average, and a combination of working with and supporting property owners, or enforcement action against problems such as poor maintenance, or increasing council tax based on how long a property has been empty, could be used to improve the situation.
The report adds that Morecambe’s West End suffers from high vacancy rates, substandard housing and economic challenges, and that specific action in areas such as it will improve community well-being, reduce criminal activity and boost local pride.
The report for the cabinet states: “Nationally, the prevalence of empty homes has been a growing concern. The government estimates there are over 255,000 long-term empty properties in the UK, creating a housing challenge amid growing demand.
“Locally, the Lancaster district mirrors this issue, with a slightly higher rate of empty homes than the national average. The city council recognises long-term empty homes as a wasted resource amid a housing crisis and shortage of available homes.”
“The Empty Homes Strategy outlines an approach to combat the issues, taking proactive steps with home-owners, employing enforcement action when necessary and exploring financial and collaborative solutions to support this work.
“Housing availability remains a challenge in Lancaster. Local policies, such as council tax premiums for empty properties exceeding one year, aim to discourage prolonged vacancies. The council has adjusted council tax charges to further-encourage occupancy, introducing higher charges the longer properties remain empty, with up to a 400 per cent premium for properties vacant over 10 years.”
Second earthquake in two days hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Morecambe Bay
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
Four arrests made after robberies and burglaries at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect scheme aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Fire crews tackle vehicle fire on M6 near Lancaster
