edmo amendments lepof conference 2 nd march 2011 andrew griffiths chartered institute of...
TRANSCRIPT
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!