THOUSANDS of people across Oxfordshire are languishing on council housing waiting lists with little prospect of success.

So it is no wonder the sight of derelict, decaying and empty homes sparks indignation and disgust.

One city councillor described the housing crisis as a scandalous situation that councils had to do all they could tackle.

Now Government rules have been relaxed to allow councils to crack down on the problem.

And all of Oxfordshire’s five district councils are set to make the most of this new opportunity.

Indeed it is hardly surprising since it seems like a win-win for local authorities.

The new scheme allows them to simultaneously raise extra cash while also giving a welcome boost to their efforts to cut housing waiting lists.

But knocking homeowners with this particular financial stick is about as far as councils should push this strategy.

Ultimately homes are private assets and property ownership should be encouraged rather than penalised.