I met Steve Dennis at Saxon Weald this morning to get an update on their ongoing work in providing more affordable homes - they continue to provide around 60 new houses a year, mainly in the Horsham District.
I also raised concerns I have received from residents regarding empty properties. I know how frustrating this is given the huge demand locally. This is yet another area in which Covid has had a long lag effect. Refurbishments couldn’t be conducted during the pandemic and after its conclusion there were further delays as it was impossible to secure the necessary skilled staff given the huge increase in demand across the board. There has also been an increase in works required to meet the Government’s requirement for social housing to hit a minimum EPC of “C” (which will save money for tenants as well as reducing carbon emissions) by 2030.
Despite both pressures I am told the number of properties vacant because of refurbishment work will be back to normal levels by the end of summer.
