Community Groups to Bring 2,000 Empty Homes Back To Life

CLG minister Mr Stunell has announced the winners of £25.1million of government funding on a visit to one of the successful projects in Newark, Nottinghamshire.  Newark and Sherwood Homes Ltd successfully applied for a £50,000 grant to purchase and bring four empty properties back into use from the Empty Homes Community Fund. These will be a mix of 2-3 bedroom houses and bungalows that will provide affordable housing for 20 people. Mr Stunell also visited Newark and Sherwood Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations to find out first hand how they have been involved in these projects.  Read more about this and other successful projects on the CLG website.

The National Empty Homes Loans Fund

A new National Empty Homes Loans Fund - to be officially launched later this year - will offer low-interest loans to owners of vacant dwellings in a bid to help them bring the properties back into use.  It will be jointly run by independent charity, Empty Homes, and a building society - and has been made possible by a grant from the CLG’s Empty Homes Community Grants Programme.  Although details are not yet finalised, low interest loans are likely to be available up to £10,000 per home. Larger loans may also be available at a higher interest rate. The fund aims to return more than 300 empty homes to use in its first three years.  Read more on the Empty Homes website.

HCA Empty Homes Programme Cut

The HCA has revealed that £30million has been set aside for the Empty Homes Community Grants Fund, leaving no more than £70million for bids to the HCA's Empty Homes pot which are currently being assessed. Bidders for the HCA funding stream may be disappointed at the reduced sum of money, whereas those looking to support Community Grant Fund bids will be encouraged to learn that up to £30million is definitely available for the programme. Local auhorities sitll have until 17th April to develop partnerships with community groups and assist in bids to the Community Gant Fund. CLG Guidance states that up to £30million will available depending on the quality of the bids. Read more on the Empty Homes Network website.