Escalated approach
Where the initial correspondence letter fails to generate a response or where it is considered beneficial a direct approach will be made to the last known owner's residence as well as telephone calls and bespoke letters that detail the individual property circumstances and the council's options to rectify the problems. Further information will be provided on the more serious enforcement actions that are available to the Council.
This escalated approach is intended to convey the seriousness with which the council view empty residential properties and that voluntary reoccupation of the empty property is preferable to the enforcement process.
This escalated approach is detailed and time consuming, but if successful reduces the need for furthermore costly and time-consuming enforcement action, however if this approach does fail to produce the desired outcome, it will provide the groundwork and justification for the enforcement options as outlined below.