Councils are encouraging people to speak out and help tackle the issue of empty homes.

This week (Oct 15-21) is National Empty Homes Week.

There are currently 231 empty homes in Weymouth and Portland, 429 in West Dorset and 217 in North Dorset.

Of the total 877 empty homes across the three council areas, 233 have been empty for over two years.

Residents are being asked to report homes which they believe are empty by calling 01305 252469 or emailing housingimprovement@dorset.gov.uk

There are also two roadshows taking place this week on Tuesday, October 16 at South Street, Dorchester and on Friday, October 19 at New Bond Street, Weymouth. Both run from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Briefholder for Housing, said: “The condition of empty properties can deteriorate rapidly, costing more to insure and eventually repair, especially if they are subject to vandalism or fly-tipping.

“If brought back into use, these homes can contribute towards the local housing demand, and can be an extra source of income for owners.”

It has been estimated that keeping a property empty could cost as much as £135 a week, or £7,018 every year.

If a property is left empty for over two years, the owner will be charged a Council Tax Premium at a rate of 150 per cent.

For example the owner of an empty property paying £1,867.32 will see their Council Tax Bill increase by £933.66 per year to £2,800.98.

The Councils Partnership said it is doing what it can to bring empty homes back into use.

There is a high demand for housing with around 4,300 households on the housing register across the three council areas.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Leader of North Dorset District Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “We want to take a proactive approach and return as many empty homes back into use as we can.

“I encourage anyone who owns an empty property, or knows of one in their area, to contact our Empty Homes Officers.”

Empty Homes Officers work with landlords to provide support, guidance and encouragement in order to return empty homes to use.

In West Dorset, 24 long term empty homes were brought into use by the Empty Homes Officer between in 2017/18. 15 homes have been brought back into use so far this year.

And in Weymouth and Portland, seven long term empty homes were brought back into use by the Empty Homes Officer in 2017/18. Six homes have brought back into use this year.

Cllr Tim Yarker, West Dorset District Councils Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “With our housing shortage, it is wrong to have homes empty unnecessarily.

“Refurbishing and repairing empty properties helps to improve the look and feel of a neighbourhood. If a property needs renovation, in certain circumstances owners could be eligible for a low cost loan.”

Residents are being asked to report homes which they believe are empty by calling 01305 252469 or emailing housingimprovement@dorset.gov.uk