3,681 empty properties in Rochdale and 3,630 in housing need

There are 3,681 empty properties in Rochdale and 3,630 families waiting for a decent place to live.

The figures were highlighted in a recent TV series screened on Channel 4, called the Great British Property Scandal.

Rochdale Council say that the figures are “fairly representative” of the number of applicants currently on the Council’s waiting list and the number of empty properties within the borough at any given time.

However, the Council says the figures “are not directly compatible” and require further explanation.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Council, said: “The majority of applicants on the housing waiting list are not homeless and are more likely to be seeking a move to a more suitable property or a location that better suits their housing needs.

“Over 90% of the empty properties within the borough, at any given time, are privately owned and therefore not it the direct control of the Council or any of the other social landlords working within the Borough.

“We are keen to help owners of empty properties to bring them back into use and offer these owners a range of advice and practical assistance, which is free of charge, and has had some success in bringing these private properties back into use.

The spokesperson continued: “The number of people on the waiting list is important to the Council, and the other housing providers within the Borough, and to help meet this need a programme of developing new homes for rent continues to deliver high quality homes across the borough.

“Recent locations of new build schemes for rent include Hill Street, Heywood; Romney Avenue, Kirkholt and Croft Street, Smallbridge. Forthcoming rent schemes include Kitchen Street, Wardleworth; Milnrow Road, Newbold and Curzon Avenue, Kirkholt.

“The issue of owners leaving properties empty has always been of concern to the Council and measures are in place to help bring these properties back into use. 

“Councillor Linda Robinson has recently reaffirmed the priority of this work and has requested that the policy is updated in light of the recent announcement of government initiatives involving empty properties.”