Landlords who refuse to rent out vacant properties could soon face action from local councils, which have new powers to seize the properties and replace them with tenants.
This follows the Government's decision to devolve more powers from Whitehall to local authorities in the recently published White Paper. 
ambiguous policy
The document is vague on what the new powers will be, but it is likely to be similar to Labour's recently launched high street rental auction scheme. – Month period.
The new white paper states: “Devolving power away from Westminster will reduce the ability of local authorities to set appropriate strategic directions to meet the challenges they face and respond to the hopes and aspirations of their communities. “It means to strengthen.”
This follows a recent report claiming that around 700,000 homes are unfurnished and vacant in the UK alone. Of these, more than 265,000 properties are classified as “long-term vacancies.”
Unprecedented powers for the mayor
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner yesterday gave “unprecedented new powers to mayors” and promised to move towards a simpler and more ambitious devolution framework.
“We will bring new efficiencies and accountability to local government…and we will give local champions a real push to understand their region, its identity, its strengths and how to leverage them. It’s empowering,” she said.
The Empty Homes Plan is one of the achievements of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has called for greater powers to take back property from landlords through the Empty Homes Control Order, which has been restricted in recent years. Additionally, some councils in the UK have doubled council tax for owners of 'long-term vacant properties'.
