Hello, I am new to the post of empty homes project officer, and I am currently getting to grips with compling a data base to analyse the extent of the issue. My first question is if anyone has an example of a data base they use, I have been experimenting with both Excell and Access. Which seems to be best? Also I have been looking at the council tax classifications which we are supposed to use to include in the statistics. Most of the categories seem to make sense, however the guidence I have informs me to include an; 'unoccupied dwelling which forms part of a single property which includes another dwelling from which it cannot be let seperatly, eg a "granny flat". These annexes although having seperate access form part of an already occupied property, and therefore are not properties I feel I can action under the normal processes, without prompting the owner to apply for planning permission, which seems unnessasary. What classifications have others been using?

Thank you