EDMO amendmentsLEPOF conference

2nd March 2011

Andrew GriffithsChartered Institute of Environmental health

“I’m Eric Pickles – I abolish things.”

“Draconian and heavy-handed state powers”Need “powerful safeguards to restrict the use of

Empty Dwelling Management Orders.”Concerned that councils have used EDMOs

inappropriately against vulnerable peopleConcerned about bereaved families having their

loved ones’ homes seizedGovt is “standing up for the civil liberties of law

abiding citizens”

EDMOS according to Pickles

UnnecessaryLeverageSafeguardsLanguageIntentionsEffects

CIEH concerns

EDMOs play an important roleAlleviate the housing shortage

Unnecessary

Important back-upHelp persuasion to workHence the low number of EDMOs

Leverage

Language

EmotiveIsolated cases (don’t make good law)Rhetoric does a disservice to local authoritiesWe have a housing shortage!

Intentions

Civil liberties?Existing law does not breach human rightsWhat about human rights of the homeless?

Effects

652,000 empties in England aloneFar too manyWhy water down what works and is necessary?Not questioning the right of people to own their

own propertiesEmpties blight neighbourhoods and attract anti-

social behaviour

Aim is for every empty to be filled and homelessness to be a thing of the past

We must keep working towards the target but in the meantime…

Summary

Don’t hold your breath!