Empty homes focus brings 750 properties back into use

The total of empty homes brought back into use by Wigan Council has topped 750, thanks to a focused approach by housing services.

Since 2021, the local authority has used a number of innovative methods to bring unused properties back into circulation, boosting the supply of affordable housing.

This includes outreach work to contact owners of empty homes to talk through the options available and funding for refurbishment schemes.

Wigan Council also runs its own Ethical Lettings Agency, linking the private and public sector to help the supply of quality and affordable housing options.

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: “Bringing these properties back into use for local residents is having a life-changing impact, not just for those occupants, but for the entire community.

“There are a number of reasons why a property may be left empty and our officers have been able to offer different options that the owner may not have been aware of.

“As we can see from these latest figures, there have been hundreds of success stories, including the example of our officers tracking a family in Australia who didn’t know they owned a property in our borough.”

Another example of how properties are brought back into use is the council’s Empty Homes Investment Scheme.

It provides funding of up to £25k for owners to cover the costs of repair works.

Refurbished homes are then leased through the Council’s Ethical Lettings Agency, boosting the supply of affordable housing while improving neighbourhoods, and rental income pays back that upfront investment by the council.

Coun Gambles added: “Unfortunately there is not enough social housing to meet demand.

“We are continuing to work proactively to build more homes in our borough, but by also taking a different approach we can get more benefit from the homes that are already here.

“The investment made by the council is repaid through the rental income, so it is a real win all round.”

If you have an empty property in Wigan Borough or you are a resident wanting to learn more about the support available, please contact [email protected]