Letter from Derek Benfield (From Swindon Advertiser)

Letter from Derek Benfield

10:14am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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IN the Swindon Advertiser, July 1 you state that there are 9,932 homeless families living in Swindon.

That set me thinking about the Government Bill, Empty Dwelling Management Orders, which came into force on April 6, 2006 and gave local authorities sweeping powers to seize empty dwellings after six months.

This order gives them the right to refurbish the property and install tenants as it wishes.

Rents are set by the council and passed on to the owner, after the council has taken its administration fees.

There are quite a few empty homes around our town, some that have been empty for years and I feel that by imposing the Empty Dwelling Management Orders a reduction in the waiting list could be achieved.

DEREK BENFIELD Hawkswood Covingham Park Swindon