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Empty Homes project launched

The Empty Homes project was formally launched at the Thames Gateway South Essex Strategic Housing Members Group meeting in July.

Over the next two years, the TGSE sub-region will receive a regional government investment of £1.5 million, to be used to pay for improvements to empty homes. Eight properties are currently being processed for assistance in the sub region and more will follow.

The project will be managed by the Thames Gateway South Essex (TGSE) Housing Group in partnership with Pathmeads Housing Association (part of Genesis Housing Group), who will be responsible for renovating and refurbishing empty homes bringing them back into use for tenants identified through local councils' housing registers. Affordable rent levels will be set for all properties in the scheme and landlords will need to agree a five-year lease with Pathmeads.

Pathmeads will be loaned money from the regional pot to bring the homes to Decent Homes standard. This loan will then be repaid through the rent revenue when a tenant in housing need has been placed in the property. This will ensure that the scheme is self-funding beyond 2011.

At the launch, Cllr Frank Tomlin from Basildon District Council, the lead authority, commented, “This scheme will improve the housing choices of families waiting for housing and will provide a long-term contribution to meeting the sub-regions' housing need. All the partners are keen to be proactive and improve accommodation standards to provide a greater range of available properties. The scheme has the added value of reducing the eyesore of empty homes and will help increase the sustainability of housing options in the area.”

If you own property in South Essex which is empty and in need of repair or renovation, please contact your Local Authority Private Sector Housing Team. Further information can be sourced from Basildon District Council on 01268 294035 or www.basildon.gov.uk