A new project has been launched in a bid to help owners of empty homes bring their property back into use.
South Holland District Council will be writing to owners of empty houses offering advice and assistance to ensure the most is made of the district’s housing resources.
And for those homes which need work, the council is part of a new national scheme which enables owners to take advantage of low-interest loans to pay for it.
Launched on September 1, the National Empty Homes Loan scheme provides loans of up to £15,000, repayable over a maximum of five years.
The council is acting as a local partner of the national scheme, and will be helping empty property owners through the process of applying for funds.
The loan scheme gives owners of vacant property with the chance to bring their property up to a lettable standard, enabling them to generate an income to help cover the cost of the loan repayments.
Coun Malcolm Chandler said: “Tackling empty homes is a key priority for South Holland District Council, and this new proactive approach to assisting owners through advice and access to loan finance will help us in this area of work.
“Furthermore, any efforts to bring empty homes back into use reduces the pressure on the council’s housing register.”
The National Empty Homes Loan Scheme is funded as part of the Community Grants Programme and will be delivered via the charity Empty Homes.
Anyone interested in the scheme or who knows of a property which has been empty for a while can contact the council’s Private Sector Housing team on 01775 761161 or via privatehousing@sholland.gov.uk