120 likes | 243 Views
EDMO amendments LEPOF conference 2 nd March 2011 Andrew Griffiths Chartered Institute of Environmental health. “I’m Eric Pickles – I abolish things.â€. “Draconian and heavy-handed state powers†Need “ powerful safeguards to restrict the use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders.â€
E N D
EDMO amendmentsLEPOF conference2nd March 2011Andrew GriffithsChartered Institute of Environmental health
“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 people Concerned about bereaved families having their loved ones’ homes seized Govt is “standing up for the civil liberties of law abiding citizens” EDMOS according to Pickles
Unnecessary Leverage Safeguards Language Intentions Effects CIEH concerns
EDMOs play an important role Alleviate the housing shortage Unnecessary
Important back-up Help persuasion to work Hence the low number of EDMOs Leverage
Language Emotive Isolated cases (don’t make good law) Rhetoric does a disservice to local authorities We have a housing shortage!
Intentions Civil liberties? Existing law does not breach human rights What about human rights of the homeless?
Effects 652,000 empties in England alone Far too many Why water down what works and is necessary? Not questioning the right of people to own their own properties Empties 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