HCA pledges £12m for empty homes

THE Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has announced the award of £12m to help 10 local authorities bring more than 1,000 empty properties back into use.

The funding has been provided through the Empty Homes Programme – a £100m initiative announced during the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review programme last year.

It targets homes that have been empty for at least six months.

Some £5m has been provided to Rossendale Borough Council, which spearheaded a combined bid by Pennine Lancashire’s authorities to bring 474 houses back into use.

Deborah McLaughlin, North West executive director at the HCA, said : “One of our main aims is to ensure a good supply of affordable homes. With over 60,000 long term empty homes in the North West, we have an important role to play in helping to tackle this issue that blights our communities.

“In light of this, I’m sure local authorities and housing associations will warmly welcome this extra support.

“A lot of good work has already been done and I know there is a strong appetite locally to bring more empty properties back into use. I’m confident that this new programme will have a great impact across the North West, helping to transform our neighbourhoods and provide an improved housing offer for local people.”

Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding to help us tackle empty properties across Rossendale and Pennine Lancashire.

“This funding will go a long way towards addressing the issue of empty properties in our communities. The Pennine Lancashire bid is innovative and sustainable and was successful through our strong, existing partnerships.”