AMBER Valley Borough Council’s success at bringing empty homes back into use has been recognised by the Government as it has been awarded almost £900,000 ‘New Homes Bonus’.
Between October 2011 and October 2012, 136 empty properties within the borough were made into homes again, compared with a total of 303 for the whole county.
The Bonus also rewards the council for securing 70 new affordable homes to help the 2,970 local families on the housing register who are currently living in accommodation that does not meet their needs.
Cllr Norman Bull, cabinet member for decent and affordable places to live, said: “The Council’s exceptional achievement of bringing 136 empty homes back into use illustrates its commitment to this task.
“The considerable number of additional affordable homes reflects the continuing need for such properties and the constructive partnerships the council has developed with housing providers. The bonus will be used to fund further work within the council’s housing strategy.
“The council has a particular track record of bringing empty homes back into use and we continue to work with landlords on a range of initiatives that help people to get their properties back on the market to get much needed homes to those who need them.”
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