A North Devon Council officer has received national recognition for his outstanding work in bringing long-term empty properties back into use.

At the Empty Homes Network Awards, held in Birmingham at the end of May, Private Housing Officer (Empty Homes) Fred Shelton was named joint winner of Empty Homes Practitioner of the Year. He was also highly commended in the Best Use of Media Award category.

Fred is the council’s sole empty homes officer and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to returning vacant properties to active use. Working closely with colleagues across services, including Council Tax and Legal, he has taken a proactive and targeted approach to addressing some of the district’s most challenging long-term empty homes.

Most recently, Fred has focused on 25 properties that had been empty for the longest periods. Through a combination of support, negotiation and enforcement powers, he has successfully brought homes back into use that had been vacant for up to 20 years, as well as another that had been empty for a decade.

In addition to these cases, further properties have been repaired and brought forward for sale, helping to increase housing availability across North Devon.

Judges praised Fred’s work, saying: “Fred has shown outstanding all-round empty homes practice, combining enforcement expertise, cross-service leadership and practical delivery to achieve exceptional outcomes in returning some of the council’s most challenging empty properties back into use.”

Fred and the council were also recognised for their communications work around empty homes, with judges commenting: “North Devon Council are highly commended for producing a comprehensive and highly professional suite of empty homes communications that clearly promote support, incentives and practical pathways to bringing properties back into use.”

Councillor Graham Bell, Lead Member for Housing, said: “It's fantastic to see the work that Fred does recognised at a national level. Once again, North Devon is leading the way in housing matters. Tackling empty homes is a challenging but incredibly important part of our work. Fred is restoring empty properties, reducing the need to build and helping local people find homes in their community.

“Fred’s commitment and expertise have made a real difference across North Devon, and this award is thoroughly deserved. Congratulations and thank you, Fred!"

Find out more about how the council is tackling empty homes in the district, including information on loans and how to sell or lease your property, by visiting northdevon.gov.uk/housing/empty-homes-project.