A government grant totalling £54,000 will be spent on bringing some of the 4,419 unoccupied and unfurnished properties across Bolton back into use, the council heard.
It comes after questions were raised by Cllr Roger Hayes at the full council meeting on Wednesday (November 27) about the measures used by the council to reduce the number of unused properties across the borough.
A newly appointed council position, the empty homes co-ordinator, will also lead further targeted action by the council towards social housing as well as an increase in council tax on uninhabited properties.
In response to the question, Cllr Martin Donaghy said: “It’s exasperating when I see empty properties, especially in the RSL (registered social landlord) section and we are told it is not financially viable to put them back into use.
“Yet a private contractor comes along, refurbishes them and puts them back into use.
“There are 4,419 unoccupied and unfurnished properties in the borough of Bolton - with 1,040 of these empty for two years or more.
“To address these issues, the council has increased the council tax payable for properties that remain unoccupied and unfurnished from April 1 this year.
“Council taxes payable will see a 100% premium for years two to five, a 200% premium that applies for years five to 10 and this will increase to 300% after 10 years.
“We hope this will incentivise the properties to be brought back into use at the first available opportunity.
“We’ve also worked positively with providers to secure government investments to bring all the social properties back into use. This includes a £540,000 grant which will go to the local authority housing funds.”
READ MORE
Coby Tristram: Teens sentenced after Zombie knife death of 18-year-old
Baby remains found in Little Hulton identified as a newborn girl
Bolton Interchange: Police investigating assault
“Four properties will be bought back into use before the end of the year with a further 11 in the pipeline using this funding.
“The council also appointed a new empty homes co-ordinator this month, who will lead on the further co-ordination of targeted action by the council. This will include targeted advice and support for owners and targeted enforcement action in situations where the property is affecting the local area.
“We will be looking at further opportunities for augmentations, which should be made amongst the various powers the council has available.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel