00:00In Liverpool, hundreds of long-term empty homes could soon be brought back into use under a new council scheme,
00:07offering grants to owners to help renovate properties and tackle housing needs across the city.
00:13Liverpool City Council has launched a ÂŁ7.3 million empty homes grant scheme,
00:19with funding of between ÂŁ5,000 and ÂŁ20,000 available for eligible properties that have been empty for at least
00:2612 months.
00:27The council says the aim is to turn existing buildings that have fallen out of use into safe and affordable
00:32homes for people on the city's housing waiting list.
00:35It forms part of a wider strategy to reduce homelessness, improve housing conditions and bring long-term vacant properties back
00:43into productive use,
00:44whilst also helping to improve neighbourhoods affected by blight.
00:47Under the scheme, owners who receive funding must bring properties up to a legally compliant standard,
00:53including dealing with serious hazards such as unsafe wiring, gas faults and excess cold.
00:59In return, homes brought back into use through the scheme will be made available as affordable rented accommodation,
01:05with the council securing nomination rights so that properties are offered to households on its waiting list at local housing
01:11allowance rates.
01:12It sets out that owners must meet eligibility criteria,
01:15including having no council tax arrears and ensuring properties have been empty for at least a year before applying.
01:21The council says the scheme is expected to run for up to three years or until funding is fully allocated
01:26across Liverpool.
Comments