100 empty homes to be brought back into use

MORE than 100 long-term empty properties at Warrington will be brought back into residential use over the next three years by the borough council.
Fewer than 800 properties are classed as long-term empty in the borough – one of the lowest figures in the North West. But with the borough’s population expected to increase to 222,000 by 2021 the council anticipates significant demand for homes, particularly in the private rented sector.
The authority’s vacant homes strategy outlines proposals to bring 50 long term vacant properties back into use this year and a total of 125 by October 2019. As well as bringing properties back into residential use, the council is also targeting eyesores that blight neighbourhoods and attract anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, lead member for public health and wellbeing, said: “Demand for housing in Warrington is only going to increase, so it’s right that we should be focusing on turning empty houses into decent homes. We want to ensure that everyone has access to a decent and affordable home.
“Empty dwellings, especially those that are poorly maintained, can also cause significant problems for neighbours and wider communities. We’ll use the full range of powers at our disposal to tackle the problem.”
Government grants have enabled the council, in partnership with Warrington Housing Association, to establish a low-cost loan scheme to help property owners carry out repair works and bring them back into use. The council will also work with local registered providers to gain further funding for the purchase and renovation of long term vacant dwellings.