Empty homes down by almost 300, but work still to be done warns Councillor

THE number of homes sitting empty for a long period of time has fallen by almost 300 according to Government figures.

A leading Councillor wo is responsible for housing in the borough has welcomed the figures, but says there’s more work to do.

Currently there are around 1,348 homes standing empty in North East Lincolnshire – a reduction of some 288 properties in the last year.

Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for economic growth, housing and tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council, made the comments during National Empty Homes Week, running from Monday 28 February to Sunday 6 March 2022.

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.

To get in touch with the team, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/homes-and-property.

To report an empty property, visit nelincs.gov.uk, email [email protected], or call 01472 326296.