Neath Port Talbot’s Cabinet agreed to fund two extra officers to specifically deal with empty non-residential and commercial properties through both proactive and reactive enforcement work.
The Cabinet heard the Environmental Health Team was under increasing pressure due to a wide range of issues and, as a result, dealing with empty residential properties has been given priority over enforcement action regarding non-residential or commercial properties.
These pressures include new laws which have seen private rented housing inspections soaring, poor housing conditions linked to the cost of living crisis in which landlords are unable to afford and manage repairs, and calls for help over noise and statutory nuisance issues.
Also, public demand for enforcement regarding empty residential properties is significant. The service is currently operating a priority-based system for residential properties with a waiting list having developed made up of derelict and unsightly properties requiring targeted action.
The council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, Cllr Alun Llewelyn, said: “Empty non-residential and or commercial properties can pose health and safety risks and other issues including anti-social behaviour, fire setting and substance misuse.
“Tackling the problems caused by these properties, as well having benefits for our communities, also ties in with our broader regeneration strategies for our towns, valleys and villages. Doing nothing is not an option.”
Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added: “I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to raise a budget for these new posts and it’s important we begin addressing as soon as possible the problems associated with those commercial or non-residential buildings which are blighting our communities in Neath Port Talbot.”
(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)
