Representatives of Cumberland Council’s Environmental Health team Laura Moss and Sarah Nelson attended the event to accept the awards, which highlight the Council’s innovative approaches to tackling long-term empty homes and creating vibrant communities.
Cumberland Council was honoured with the following awards and commendations:
• “Meeting the Challenge” award – Joint Winners: Recognizing a transformative, multi-agency effort to restore a property that had been unoccupied for nearly 20 years.
• Best before & after photo – Highly Commended: Celebrating the incredible transformation of a long-neglected property into a welcoming, liveable space.
• The “Rising Star” award – Highly Commended: Awarded to Laura Moss for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and drive in addressing empty homes.
The Meeting the Challenge Award reflects the Council’s commitment to working collaboratively. By pooling resources and knowledge through the Local Focus Hub referral pathway, the team addressed a long-standing issue and created a lasting positive impact.
A spokesperson for the Empty Homes Network said: "Cumberland Council's response to a decades-long empty home showcases exceptional persistence and partnership.
"Despite legal hurdles, failed auctions, and anti-social behaviour, their team worked tirelessly to resolve the case, leading to the restoration of the property and revitalisation of the neighbourhood. This achievement truly merits the Meeting the Challenge award."
The restored property is now a permanent home for a first-time buyer family, marking a significant milestone for both the residents and the community.
Laura Moss, nominated for the Rising Star Award by her colleagues, was recognized for her passion, enthusiasm, and ability to drive change.
The project recognized by the Meeting the Challenge award serves as an inspiring case study of how collaboration and innovative problem-solving can bring long-term empty homes back into use.
Cllr Bob Kelly, Cumberland Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Planning, said: “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our teams at Cumberland Council.
“There are still many empty and dilapidated buildings in parts of Cumberland that urgently need attention. But these empty homes are not just wasted spaces—they’re missed opportunities to provide much-needed housing, restore community pride, and create a sense of belonging. These awards show how effective partnerships and determination can turn challenges into transformative success stories.”
Colin Cox, Director of Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing, said: “Returning empty properties to use is not only about addressing housing needs but also about fostering healthier, more resilient communities. This work demonstrates how strategic collaboration and a focus on community well-being can create lasting, positive change for individuals and communities alike.
“A big “well done” goes to everyone involved in these projects”.