Residents urged to report empty homes

Dozens of long-term empty houses in Newtown and north Powys are standing unused while the county faces a housing emergency, prompting a fresh call for action from Powys County Council.

Latest figures show 1,550 homes across Powys have been empty for more than a year, and nearly 900 of them now face an additional Council Tax premium. Many of these are in Newtown and nearby communities, where demand for affordable housing is high.

The council says empty houses are more than just wasted space - some are falling into disrepair and causing damp or damage to neighbouring properties.

Between April and July this year, 12 long-term empty homes were brought back into use after residents reported them through the council’s Empty Property Referral Form. Dozens more are under investigation.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said the issue cannot be ignored. “Empty homes are a missed opportunity when so many people are in need of safe, secure housing,” he said. “By reporting empty properties, residents can help us take action to bring these homes back into use and strengthen our communities.”

The council is urging anyone aware of empty or derelict houses in their neighbourhood to report them online. Priority will be given to cases where adjoining homes are directly affected.

The Empty Property Referral Form can be found on the Powys County Council website.