Government under fire over empty homes

The government has come under criticism for leaving homes idle while the Ministry of Defence (MOD) pays £3 million in rent on them.

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick Harvey, speaking via his party's website, said 879 homes awaiting demolition or sale had been rented out by the MOD under the sale and leaseback arrangements it had with private firms for military housing in the past year.

Mr Harvey commented: "Houses like these will never see another serviceman or woman again, yet they are still costing up to £3 million per year."

Whereas Mr Harvey was critical of the cost while, he contended, many service families were living in poor quality homes, others may be concerned that the homes have remained idle rather than being brought back into use.

Many empty homes can be restored for residential purposes provided they are renovated first.

In a bid to encourage such action, the Federation of Mater Builders made a new call this week for VAT on renovation work to be cut.


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