Ellen Bennett talks to Sharon Rivers, empty property officer at Herefordshire council
What's the new gig like, then?
Busy at the moment, but I like it that way. It's my job to encourage owners of empty properties in Herefordshire to bring them back into use through a variety of initiatives.

I work with local registered social landlords and owners, offering advice and assistance. Herefordshire council also has its own private sector lease scheme,for which I am responsible. It helps reduce the need to use B&Bs for homeless families.

What were you doing before?
I was working as empty property and enabling officer at the council. I'd been in the post for just over two years, helping to bring empty properties back into use.

Why the change?
The council's enabling and housing needs section was restructured, to provide a more focused approach to delivering affordable housing. As well as a natural progression in my career, I saw the move as an opportunity to become more involved with policy research, maximising the number of empty properties being brought back into use in the county.

Good money?
£21,282 a year.

What's an average day like?
At the moment I'm preparing for the private landlords' fair, an event held every February. The fair gives private landlords the chance to access a range of services relevant to them.

I take telephone calls from the owners of empty properties and complaints from members of the public. I also arrange site visits to discuss how "empties" can best be put back into use.

There's a lot of liaison and chase-up work with both RSLs and owners. I sometimes feel I'm the "negotiator" between the sides.

Best bit so far?
I've only been in the job three weeks, so it's too early to say. When I see a property being bought back into use and benefiting someone in housing need, that will be good.

Hardest challenge?
Targeting long-term empty properties. There are several locally that continue to attract complaints. The case files have grown over the years, but the houses remain empty.

I am working towards Herefordshire's first compulsory purchase orders for these properties.

What the boss says
Jane Thomas, the council's enabling manager, says: "Sharon has only been in the post for a few weeks but she is certainly making her mark. She is very keen to bring long-term empties back into use, if necessary through compulsory purchase orders. These send a warning to owners to work with us."

Source

Housing Today