Empty homes champion recognised
Written by author on December 5, 2013
Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Empty Homes Officer Fiona Todd picked up an award at the Scottish Empty Homes Conference on Tuesday 26th November. Fiona was named ‘outstanding individual’ because of her commitment to sharing best practice as well as her ability to establish relationships with property owners and other stakeholders.
Fiona’s approach has meant two properties in Dumfries that had been in very poor condition are now being addressed by the owner after lying empty for 8 years, and in another case, a debt of £13,500 in council tax arrears is being addressed through recovery action. Fiona received her award from Margaret Burgess MSP, Minister for Housing and Welfare. The prestigious event which was organised by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership and hosted by Shelter Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.
The award winners included: • Outstanding Project, overall winner: Perth and Kinross Council • Outstanding Project, special mention: Falkirk Council
• Outstanding Individual: Fiona Todd, Scottish Borders/Dumfries and Galloway Council • Best use of Media: Shirish Patel and Colin McGarva from Angus Council
• Best Before and After: Colin McGarva from Angus Council
