A former Dundee councillor has called for the city council to be given the power to “take over” the management of disused and unsecure buildings in the city.
Jimmy Black, who stepped down before Thursday’s local council elections, is pushing for reform allowing the council to step in if owners fail to properly secure buildings in the city.
It comes after a raging fire — which was not treated as suspicious by police — broke out in the abandoned Forebank House near the Hilltown.
Meanwhile, part of Strathmartine Hospital, a regular target for firebugs, also went up in flames twice last week.
The council currently have some limited powers to step in under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 in respect of dangerous buildings, but these are only rarely used.
Black said — first and foremost — owners should take responsibility in ensuring their buildings are properly maintained and safe.
But he believes that if they are unwilling to do so, councils should implement repairs and send the bill back to the owners.
He even suggested — if deemed necessary — arresting bank accounts in order to recoup the costs.
He said: “I believe we have some limited powers which can be difficult and expensive to use.
“It would be helpful to have a straightforward power to go in, secure the building, take over the management of it and bill the owner.
“We should be able to recover costs by arresting bank accounts and if necessary forcing the sale of the property.
“That may seem drastic but derelict buildings can be a danger to life if they are not secure and maintained.
“If the owners cannot raise the cash to develop their property, they should sell it on to someone who can.”
Last week, leading Tayside firefighter Colin Grieve, who is the local senior officer for Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee, urged building owners to ensure properties are properly secured to prevent injuries — or even deaths — to members of the public who may enter them.
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “The city council has enforcement powers under Sections 29 and 30 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 in respect of Dangerous Buildings.
“These powers are used as and where appropriate, in a manner which is proportionate in terms of the evident and/or perceived risks.
“However, it should be made clear that under the Act, it is the building owners who are firstly obliged to maintain their building in a safe condition.”
