MORE action should be taken to bring empty properties in York back into use, a city councillor has claimed.

Council records show there are more than 500 properties in York that have been empty for at least six months.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing says housing officers should use new laws that allow them to take control of disused dwellings, to help tackle York's housing shortage.

She has tabled a motion to this week's full meeting of City of York Council, urging the authority to use Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs), which were introduced under the Housing Act 2004.

Coun Simpson-Laing said there would be some cost in using the powers, but said: "York residents are also paying for these properties whilst they lay empty. Every time the police or fire brigade are called out as a result of vandalism we all pay."

She said: "These powers have been available for a long time now, but the council has decided not to use them. We must face the reality of the housing shortage and take whatever measures possible to reverse the trend which, at present, is getting worse. EDMOs would not be used in an inappropriate way. If properties are vacant because of a death then a reasonable length of time is left before action can be taken. A house on the market to be sold would not be subject to an EMDO. Action to place a property under an EDMO is only taken after those responsible for the property had been talked through their rights and responsibilities.

"The principle behind this is occupation of as many properties as possible, given the housing shortage. We would like to see the local housing authority use the powers as a last resort, and only after constructive dialogue with those responsible for the dwelling. This is a critically important point. People will be given every opportunity to act following officers' advice, advice that will give them ample time to take action."

EDMOs fall between voluntary action by private owners and compulsory purchase powers for local housing authorities.

The motion will be debated at tomorrow's council meeting.