Stafford Borough Council's leader is calling for stronger powers to tackle neglected buildings, saying a successful court case does not by itself resolve the condition of a derelict property.
Councillor Aidan Godfrey wants the government to help councils intervene more quickly where owners fail to maintain buildings or comply with notices.
The call follows the Greyfriars House prosecution reported by Stafford Gazette on 29 September. Today's release concerns the council leader's response and proposed changes, not a new prosecution or a second fine.
Faster action on neglected buildings
Godfrey said the council was pleased it had secured a significant financial penalty, but that the lengthy legal process had not addressed the underlying state of the former job centre.
He said the council wanted to work with owners and businesses, while also being able to take swift action when notices were disregarded or properties neglected.
His proposed package includes stronger charges on empty properties, greater ability to take ownership of neglected buildings where there is a clear public-interest case, and faster compulsory purchase procedures to support regeneration.
He also called for stronger penalties for failing to comply with existing enforcement powers. These are proposals from the council leader, not new powers that have already been granted.
The Greyfriars House case
The council said the owners of Greyfriars House were ordered to pay £56,100 in fines, costs and a surcharge after failing to comply with a notice requiring the site to be made more secure and broken glazing dealt with.
The trial took place on 28 September. The council's earlier published account records a £1,000 fine, £52,700 for the period of non-compliance, £2,000 in costs and a £400 surcharge.
Godfrey said the borough shared residents' frustration over the property's condition and wanted tools to prevent similar cases recurring.
Sources: Stafford Borough Council's release 6334, supplied on 7 October 2026, and its 29 September account of the court case.