Kent County Council Champions Empty Homes Revival During National Week of Action

Kent County Council is highlighting the success of its No Use Empty scheme this week, coinciding with National Empty Homes Week, a national campaign running from 9th to 15th March. The scheme focuses on identifying and revitalising vacant properties across the county that have been left unused for extended periods.

The initiative comes at a time when empty homes have become an increasingly significant issue nationally. Long-term vacant properties in England have risen substantially, with councils and communities working together to reverse this trend and address housing shortages. By bringing these properties back into use, councils can contribute meaningfully to housing targets without requiring new construction.

Across England, local authorities face considerable pressure on housing provision. In 2024-25, councils spent £2.8 billion on temporary accommodation, much of which consists of cramped and unsuitable housing that places strain on families and disrupts children’s education. By contrast, bringing empty homes back into productive use offers a more cost-effective and sustainable solution to housing challenges.

Beyond immediate housing benefits, retrofitting empty properties presents environmental advantages. Converting vacant homes requires substantially lower carbon emissions than constructing new buildings, with retrofitted empty homes using between 50 and 80 per cent less carbon compared to new builds. This approach aligns housing solutions with climate targets whilst delivering energy-efficient homes that are cheaper and more comfortable for residents.

Kent County Council’s participation in National Empty Homes Week demonstrates local commitment to addressing housing difficulties through practical intervention. The No Use Empty scheme works to identify properties, engage with owners, and facilitate their return to residential or community use.

The scheme operates within a broader national context supported by organisations including Action on Empty Homes and the Empty Homes Network, which coordinate efforts across local authorities and highlight best practice in bringing vacant properties back into use.

For Kent residents, the revitalisation of empty homes offers several benefits: increased housing availability, reduced pressure on temporary accommodation services, and improved neighbourhood conditions. Properties that have stood vacant often become focal points for anti-social behaviour and community concern; returning them to use enhances local areas.

Kent residents with information about empty properties in their area can report them through local council channels, supporting the authority’s efforts to identify and address vacant housing stock. As National Empty Homes Week continues throughout this week, Kent County Council encourages community participation in this important housing initiative.

Key Takeaways

• National Empty Homes Week (9th-15th March 2026) focuses attention on vacant property revival across England
• Kent County Council’s No Use Empty scheme actively works to bring long-vacant properties back into residential use
• Retrofitting empty homes uses 50-80 per cent less carbon than new construction whilst addressing housing shortages
• Long-term empty homes in England increased significantly last year, making intervention increasingly necessary
• Councils spent £2.8 billion on temporary accommodation in 2024-25, highlighting the cost-benefit of empty homes schemes

What This Means for Kent Residents

Empty homes schemes benefit Kent communities by increasing housing supply, reducing reliance on temporary accommodation, and improving neighbourhood conditions. Residents can support these efforts by reporting vacant properties to Kent County Council, enabling the authority to identify and revitalise properties that could house local families.