Local authorities have bought nearly 38,000 long-term empty homes back into use over the last year, earning themselves over £63m in New Homes Bonus funding.
Releasing the figures, communities minister Don Foster announced that Birmingham City Council had seen the greatest reduction in empty homes, bringing 2,151 properties back into use.
Manchester City Council similarly reduced vacant property numbers by over 2,000, while Bradford and Liverpool each reclaimed over 1,800 homes.
Rewarding councils that increase their housing stock through construction or conversion, the New Homes Bonus scheme match funds council tax raised through this process and provides additional money for the subsequent creation of affordable housing.
Don Foster said: ‘I'm delighted we've had such a positive start and encourage all councils to work hard in transforming empty properties, which drag down neighbourhoods, and instead turn them into homes fit for families.’
