By Empty houses in North East Lincolnshire on the decline
The number of houses sitting empty in North East Lincolnshire has dropped from the previous year by nearly 300 but more action still needs to be taken.
According to government figures there are around 1,348 homes standing empty in North East Lincolnshire – a reduction of 288 properties in the last year.
North East Lincolnshire Council are liaising with potential buyers and investors to look at how homes can be brought back into use and residents are also being asked to report empty homes in their area.
Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for economic growth, housing and tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, made the comments during National Empty Homes Week.
Cllr Procter said: “I’m pleased that the number is coming down, but we still have work to do.
“Homes that are stood empty for long periods of time and are left to rot cause all sorts of problems for communities. Anti-social behaviour, vandalism and fly-tipping are just a few examples of this.
“Our team work closely with property owners to prevent these properties from standing empty for too long and falling into disrepair. We also liaise with potential buyers and investors to explore all options to bring houses back into use.”
The Council’s Home Improvement Team have received some funding from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to help landlords improve the energy efficiency ratings of local houses.
Whilst long-term empty homes do not qualify for this funding, landlords may be able to use the funding to prevent their properties ending up empty.
Landlords are being asked by the Government to increase the EPC ratings of their properties to C. Any landlords with properties with an EPC rating of D or under should contact the Home Improvement Team for more information and to find out if they’re eligible.
