December 3, 2013 3.00 pm This story is over 123 months old

City Council brings 150 Lincoln homes back into use

More homes: The council managed to get 157 more homes by encouraging owners to bring long-term vacant properties back into use.

Photo: CoLC

The City of Lincoln Council said it has reduced the number of empty homes by a quarter in the past year by bring them back into use.

Council officers helped 157 owners of vacant homes fill them by using initiatives such as access to funding and advice on repairs and renovation.

This meant that the long-term empty homes in Lincoln dropped from 602 to 445.

Leader of the City of Lincoln Council Ric Metcalfe said: “This 26% reduction in empty homes is an excellent achievement for the city and will help towards meeting our housing need.

“Increasing the supply of affordable housing is one of our three main priorities, and helping to bring empty homes back into use is one way to do that.

“We are keen to encourage people who own empty properties to think about bringing them back into use.

“Apart from improving the appearance of an area, restoring an empty property can bring benefits to the owner, such as a rental income and reduction in council tax.

“Anyone who needs support should get in touch,” he added.

In order to get owners of properties left empty for over two years putting houses back to use, the council introduced a 150% council tax rate.

The council also offers incentives like a contribution toward renovation or conversion costs, and a grant for first-time buyers purchasing a home that has been empty for at least 12 months.

For more information on bringing vacant properties back to use call Luke Taylor on 01522 881188 or email [email protected]