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  Be careful here. Remember lies, damn lies and statistics. Jan has a good point.
  
  Initially it looks bad but I remember 20 odd years ago when similar figures were produced when I was on DDC and I asked questions. The figures included properties 'between tenants', perhaps only for a month awaiting renovation or redecoration.
  
  Some properties may be uninhabitable as well, awaiting redevelopment.
  
  Do these figures just relate to Council Houses or all social housing or, indeed all housing? That also provides some important distinctions. If all houses then again we have a very different picture, many of the properties will not be suitable for the homeless, some perhaps may be in the process of being sold. My own home was empty for 3 months after we bought it while we gutted it and renovated it top to bottom and in the latter case would appear in the statistics at the time.
  
  If you have the answers Greg as to what is included then that will help inform a discussion. You are correct that in the town there are a lot of potential homes above shops left empty but I am not clear if these are part of the study. The owners of the properties should think about gaining extra revenue from them. I think I know the block of flats you mean and if it is them they are not fit for human occupation and are due to be fully revamped when the money is available.

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