Empty homes brought back into use
Over 30 houses that have stood empty for more than two years in North Kesteven can now be homes again.
The 34 houses include six in the North Hykeham area and one each in Aubourn, Skellingthorpe and Waddington and were brought back into use by their owners following support or intervention by North Kesteven District Council.
The announcement was made during National Empty Homes Week and sees the council beating its target of revitalising 20 homes a year and last year’s total of 31 properties.
There are currently 140 properties in North Kesteven that have been empty for more than two years, 27 for over five years and 14 for 10 or more years
Bringing them back into use contributes to the local housing need and prevents problems and potential dangers within the community as they deteriorate and become derelict.
By helping owners return their properties into use – offering incentives like VAT Discount Scheme, advice on planning, signposting to potential sales opportunities and helping to navigate legal complications – the empty homes programme ultimately aims to helps communities to flourish.
There are now major financial disadvantages to holding on to an empty property as these can attract double, triple or four-fold council tax charges depending on duration of vacancy.
Housing member Cllr Ian Carrington said: “Following on from last year’s success, we are pleased to have broken records again and returned 34 more empty houses into use. It is a great team effort by the council across various departments all working together for the benefit of our local communities.
“There are many benefits through our focus on restoring empty homes for use in stimulating and sustaining stronger, safer, more cohesive communities, and I give enormous credit to everyone involved in helping such properties fulfil their potential.
“Through years of experience our officers can bring various aspects of local intelligence, practical support, advice and understanding of legal considerations, discounts and opportunities to bear which can quite literally unlock doors and barriers; bringing back into fruitful use some cherished and once-loved homes.”
After two years of standing empty, the council’s multi-discipline Empty Property Working Group pays particular attention to try and identity ownership, liaise and unlock barriers to refurbishment and promote to owners potential VAT reductions or other incentives to restoration and re-habitation.
Additionally, there are circumstances in which council tax discounts and exemptions can be applied, such as structural alterations.
To report an empty house locally or seek advice, see www.n-kesteven.gov,uk/emptyhomes