Hi all

We have identified a few empty properties throughout our sub regional project that are becoming problematic but their owners are either in prison or away receiving care.  Although we can’t go down the route of the "normal" tools such as EDMOs, enforced sale, cpo etc.....we feel a duty of care to the neighbours who are suffering through these empty properties.

Have any of you encountered these problems before and do you have any words of wisdom / advice that you could share with us????

Also in another case an empty property had a prohibition order on it and the elderly gentleman was moved into housing association accommodation.  He is perfectly able to live on his own and has no support from social services etc......however he refuses to engage with us, won’t respond to letters and won’t open the door.  Some colleagues who have had dealings with him the past described him as being "vulnerable" yet others say he is more than capable of dealing with his affairs on his own he just doesn’t want the hassle and is happy to bury his head in the sand, so we are reluctant to start Enforced Sale proceedings, but the property is falling down, roof tiles have fallen into the neighbours garden and damp is coming through.  There are significant land charges and council tax debt and we have a buyer if the gentleman would just engage with us.............does anyone have any advice with this case and question of vulnerability, how can it be proved one way or another???

Any info would be greatly appreciated

Many thanks

Sophie Coles

Sub Regional Empty Homes Project Officer

City of Lincoln Council