Liberal Democrats launch policy to end empty homes scandal

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Feb 2010

Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford have set out plans to bring empty houses back into use, making homes available for people who need them and creating local jobs. Stephen Robinson, who is bidding to be the town's Liberal Democrat MP, commented: "Allowing houses to sit empty whilst families are waiting for a home is nothing short of a scandal. There are 1,551 empty houses in Chelmsford and 18,170 across Essex.

"The cost of bringing these homes back into use is just a fraction of the cost of building new houses, yet the authorities are sitting idly by whilst these houses fall in disrepair.

"The Conservative run council here in Chelmsford has decided to build thousands of new homes using up precious open spaces in our locality. We should use up the empty houses first.

"This is just part of the Liberal Democrats economic stimulus package, that will see jobs created and help us to building a fair and sustainable local economy."

ENDS