South Holland District Council will receive a £180,475 bonus from the government after contributing to a fall in the number of empty homes.
Between October 2015 and October 2016, the number of vacant properties in the district fell from 258 to 232 and, as a result, the council will receive the New Homes Bonus Payment.
The council’s private sector housing team works alongside owners of empty homes to help bring them back into use.
Coun Christine Lawton, portfolio holder for housing, said: “I would like to congratulate the team for their dedicated work over the past year. Getting such a big bonus payment is a fitting reward for their efforts.
“Bringing empty homes back into use can be a long process, taking up much officer time. We are determined to carry on reducing the number of empty properties in the district.”
The team has been helping to renovate an empty property in Railway Lane, Sutton Bridge, which had fallen into disrepair and was being targeted by vandals and fly-tippers.
Initially, the owner did not respond to letters from the team, but after the serving of an emergency remedial notice followed by an improvement notice – forcing the owner to carry out necessary repairs at their own expense to bring the property back to a decent standard – they got in touch and have been in regular communication with the team ever since.
The property has recently had a new kitchen, bathroom, electrics, plumbing and windows fitted. Renovation work is due to be completed this month and the owner has agreed to let the property out.
Anyone with an empty home in their street which is causing problems is asked to report it to the private sector housing team on 01775 764712 or email [email protected]
