I am calling, again, for the City of York to take up powers to manage long-term empty properties in the city, following the news that Selby District Council is taking advantage of powers under the 2004 Housing Act, which enable local authorities to take over the management of long-term empty private accommodation (Selby empty homes boost, The Press, May 13).

The use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) is, as has been said in the past, a last resort, but one that should not be discounted. The current Lib-Dem administration has done exactly that, characteristically avoiding doing anything that it is not obliged to do.

It is something of a poor reflection on this council that it argues against such a sensible policy, yet a district council, with less means, has been able to implement the policy by using its initiative.

The housing shortage in York, especially properties that people can actually afford to live in, is acute, and the council should do everything in its powers to tackle that.

At the last count there were more than 400 properties in York that could be subject to EDMOs.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, Labour spokesperson for housing and adult social services, City of York Council, Salisbury Road, York.