Empty homes across South Holland could be given a new lease of life with the launch of a new scheme.
At a time when South Holland District Council is looking to increase the supply of housing to take advantage of a Government incentive, a new strategy has been launched to bring empty properties back into use.
Over the past year about 90 vacant homes have been brought back into use by South Holland District Council’s Housing team, but many others still remain.
Councillors have now adopted an Empty Homes Strategy for 2014-16, aimed at returning 75 empty dwellings back to use every year.
The strategy will also see the council raise awareness of the issue and look to gain income through the government’s New Homes Bonus scheme, which rewards authorities that increase their housing supply.
Anyone who is aware of empty properties in the district is asked to contact the council so it can act quickly to start the process of bringing them back into use.
The scheme also offers advice on how property owners can return a home to use, including guidance on how to rent it out or sell, as well as tips on how to renovate.
The council has made connections that have already enabled several owners to return their properties into use.
Properties which sit empty for long periods can have detrimental effects on the local community and in such cases the council has powers to enforce positive action from the owners.
Coun Malcolm Chandler, portfolio holder for regulatory services, said: “This is a key strategy for the council, we want to maximise the available housing stock in the district.
“There are many benefits for transforming empty homes, such as reducing the chance of vandalism and anti social behaviour and to raise pride in communities.
“We are keen to bring empty homes back into occupation so, if you have a residential property which has stood empty for a long time or if you know of one and want to know how we can help, then we will be pleased to hear from you.”
To report an empty property contact the council’s private sector housing team on 01775 761161 or email [email protected]
