Homes left empty for up to 28 years in Wolverhampton

More than 1,100 homes are empty across the city - with 52 of those having been left abandoned for more than a decade, and nine for more than 20 years.

Two properties, in the WV1 and WV10 postcode areas, have been empty for 28 years.

The figures have been described as "shocking" by opposition Conservative councillors in Wolverhampton, particularly as the city has had a housing waiting list of thousands over recent years.

Local authorities have stepped up efforts recently to try and seize control of privately owned homes which have been left empty and derelict for years.

Legislation was introduced a decade ago to try and make it easier for councils to take control of vacant properties but the data shows there are still many abandoned homes which could potentially be made available for families on waiting lists.

The figures, released following a Freedom of Information request, showed empty privately owned properties dotted across the city, including 26 which have been vacant for more than 15 years.

The city council has struggled to tackle its housing waiting list over recent years, with the number of empty properties only likely to add to the frustration of council leaders.

The empty properties across the city have been left abandoned for a combined total of 3,444 years.

Conservative councillor Udey Singh said: “I’m truly shocked at the length for which property has sat vacant in Wolverhampton. It’s incredible that when totalled we’ve had property sit empty for nearly 3,500 years.

“While there are challenges for the council in bringing private property back in to use, there really is no excuse for property sitting vacant for 10 years never mind 20.

“I hope the council’s new Labour cabinet member for housing will look at this issue as a matter of urgency and have more success than his predecessor."

A Wolverhampton Council spokesman said: “Residential properties can be vacant for a range of reasons, including people awaiting probate following a death, residents are in hospital or residential care, or they are people’s second homes.

"The council is reviewing its approach to empty properties and providing extra resource to address the impact of poorly maintained empty properties on the surrounding area. This includes taking legal action against owners who are unwilling to keep their properties in good condition.”