Landlords are being urged to help address the chronic shortage of affordable, rented homes across Uttlesford.

Uttlesford District Council is hosting its annual private sector landlord forum on Wednesday, July 9 as the authority looks to find ways of reducing the 1,700 people on its housing register.

The council is encouraging all existing or prospective landlords to attend the forum, in the Committee Rooms at the rear of Saffron Walden Town Hall from 3.30-8pm, to find out more about how they can help.

Uttlesford District Council’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Julie Redfern, said: “All landlords are welcome to come along.

“Even if you have a property that has fallen into disrepair, there may be a scheme or even grants available for you to bring it back into use.

“Delivering homes for households on low and average income in the current climate presents both challenges and opportunities, which the council is keen to explore through partnership working.”

Councillor Redfern added: “Empty homes are a wasted resource so do come along and find out how you can help turn them into a home for someone currently waiting on our register.”

Various other relevant organisations will be attending the forum and those confirmed so far include local letting agents Peter Davis, Eastern Landlords’ Association, Genesis Housing Association, the Citizens Advice Bureau and council officers from the housing, benefits, environmental health and energy efficiency departments.

There will also be policy briefings and updates on the council’s Landlord Accreditation Scheme, recent benefits changes and the Empty Homes Project. The evening will look at the economic, political and policy changes being implemented as well as providing landlords with an opportunity to speak to benefit and housing officers about the recent benefit changes.

For further information or to book a place, e-mail Stephanie Baxter at sbaxter@uttlesford.gov.uk or call her on 01799 510633.