THE HOMES and Communities Agency (HCA) announced on 5 March that ten local authorities and housing associations in the North West are set to deliver over 1,000 new affordable homes by bringing empty properties back into use through new investment of almost £12m over the next 3 years. 

The Empty Homes Programme, which will fund the refurbishment of properties that have been empty for at least six months, forms an important new element of the HCA’s main Afforable Homes Programme.

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

The national programme of £70m confirmed is part of the £100m of Empty Homes funding announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review; the remaining £30m is being made available exclusively for community led groups and is being administered by DCLG’s appointed provider, Tribal UK. 

Deborah McLaughlin, North West Executive Director at the HCA said of the investment:

"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."

A collaborative bid across Pennine Lancashire secured resources to bring the largest number of empty homes back into use across the country. Led by Rossendale Borough Council almost £5m has been allocated to bring 474 empty homes back into use before March 2015.

Jake Berry, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Rt. Hon Grant Shapps, Minister of State for Housing and Local Government, commented:

"I am delighted that the North West is set to benefit from this injection of Government money to tackle the blight of empty homes.  The number of empty homes in our region is a national disgrace and this cash will transform them to affordable homes and breathe life into some of our most deprived communities.

"This new cash shows a real commitment to the North West and will bring around 1,000 homes back into use – far exceeding our original target for the area and demonstrating excellent value for money."

Councillor 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. Rossendale has led on this funding application on behalf of our neighbouring authorities and 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."

In 2011 the HCA published its Empty Homes Toolkit, which is intended to be a useful for a wide range of audiences, from property owners, and concerned neighbours, to council officers and local councillors, who have a front-line role in helping and enabling their communities tackle many of the challenges posed by empty properties.

For more information visit HCA´s website.