TWO councils are helping bring empty properties in their areas back to life to tackle the housing shortage, writes Lauren Tiller.
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils are banding together to raise awareness of empty homes and the support they can offer to those who own an empty property to mark National Empty Homes Week.
Eligible property owners can receive Empty Homes Assistance of up to £15,000 to help them turn a house into a home.
They can also get information and advice, free advertising on lettings and sales, and financial support with property sales.
The councils’ housing services manager Elaine Salter said: “We are here to offer support and help the owners to enable them to bring these empty homes back into use.
“Not only are empty properties needed as homes, but many get into a state of disrepair when they are empty which also has a negative impact on the communities where they are situated.
“This can be both as a negative visually and in terms of making people feel unsafe.”
Call 01386 565610 or email [email protected] for more information.
