asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present number of empty residential units in London owned by the Crown Commissioners; how many units are now occupied by squatters; and what action the Commissioners are taking to ensure the maximum occupancy of their properties.
I am informed by the Crown Estate Commissioners that there are at present 67 such residential units—including 17 newly built flats—of which 40 are under offer. Of the remainder, 13 are the subject of planning applications, 11 are awaiting conversion and three are uninhabitable; these cannot, therefore, be used for short-term housing. There are also 26 residential units occupied by squatters of which 24 are the subject of planning applications and two are awaiting conversion.