Newport is facing a housing crunch with demand for temporary accommodation skyrocketing, leaving over 9,000 people on the waiting list. Meanwhile, nearly 2,500 properties are sitting empty each month, prompting a new initiative to tackle this “waste” of homes. The city council is working on a strategy to bring these houses back to life, combining support and incentives with stricter measures for those staying empty over six months.
Cllr Saeed Adan, the cabinet member for housing, called vacant homes a “wasted resource,” especially in such a fast-growing area. The approach includes interest-free loans for home improvements through programmes like the Safe, Warm and Secure scheme. On the flip side, property owners might face increased council tax bills if their homes are left empty for over a year.
Personal circumstances often play a role in why homes remain unused—be it inheritance, financial issues, or sentimental ties. But the council is determined to help owners by offering information and support. Emma Johnson, Revenue and Benefit Manager, shared that they’ve already applied council tax premiums on 578 properties.
If cooperation doesn’t work, enforcement actions like legal notices and compulsory purchase orders are ready as a last resort. The aim is clear: make the best use of available resources to ease Newport’s housing pressure. Stay tuned as this plan heads to the cabinet and councillors for further discussion in November. 🏘️✨