HUNDREDS of homes across Southampton have been left empty for six months or more, new figures show.

Government data revealed that there were 756 long-term empty homes in the city this September.

This compares to the previously reported figure of around 550 in 2016, meaning the increase is one of around 35 per cent.

Now homelessness campaigners have called the situation “tragic” and are calling on housing bosses to take action.

It comes just weeks after city chiefs pledged to combat homelessness with the Southampton Rough Sleeping and Begging Charter – which called on local businesses, groups, and residents to work together to end homelessness in the city.

Now the chief executive of homelessness charity Society of St James, Trevor Pickup, said he was “surprised” at the figures - and urged homelessness chiefs at Southampton City Council to use their powers to reclaim empty properties.

He said: “I’m surprised there are quite so many in Southampton.

“Local authorities need to use the powers they have got to get them back into use.

“If you have got to private owners with empty properties then there’s nothing we can do.

“But this is the sort of thing that requires local and national government response.

“We would support the council making legislation to force properties back into use.”

He added that there is a “shortage” of accommodation in Southampton - but that the charity is currently buying property with a government grant - including units above October Books in Portswood that will provide beds for six people.

Paul Woodman - who runs homelessness group Love Southampton - said: “It’s tragic to have people on the streets and have empty homes at the same time.

“What we are trying to do is work all across the city to reduce homelessness and one aspect is going to be tackling empty homes.

“We are identifying a couple of things where there is land that is undeveloped and using container homes. And working with homeless networks as well to see how that will be used to help the homeless.

“What we can do as churches is congregate people and often we are seen as being trusted.

“How do we make this a way of giving without questioning.”

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Local authorities have a range of powers at their disposal to tackle long-term empty homes, and we expect them to use them.”

Next year local authorities will have the power to double council tax on homes left empty for two years or more - a premium currently capped at 50%.

In Southampton the council charged a premium on 177 longer-term empty homes.

City housing boss Councillor Satvir Kaur said: “The current national housing crisis is felt most in urban areas like Southampton, where we have a growing housing need for families.

"Southampton City Council is maximising the limited powers it has to bring derelict properties back into use, including using Compulsory Purchase Orders.

"However, due to a lack of regulation nationally these can often be very long and drawn-out processes. Most people know of a property in their area that has been unoccupied for a long period of time, which has a negative impact on the rest of the street.

"I would urge local people to inform the Council of these properties, so we can assess whether we can work with the owner to bring it back into use, or force a sale of the property to ensure it can be transformed into a much-needed home.”

Love Southampton has launched a campaign to help reduce rough sleeping levels.

The group - run by City Life Church leader Paul Woodman - is calling on churches and other groups to donate Welcome Bags for people coming in off the street.

The bags should contain fresh clothes, toiletries and other everyday essentials to give directly to local hostels.

Paul Woodman said: “This isn’t a Christmas campaign, it’s part of our long -term commitment to reducing rough sleeping in Southampton. We invite any community group or school to join us in caring for people in this very practical way.”

Organisations are asked to put toothpaste and a toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, spray deodorant, wipes, a razor, a towel, a bar of chocolate, a carton of orange juice, socks, medium sized boxers, a t shirt and tracksuit bottoms in a drawstring bag.