A new loan scheme aimed at bringing empty homes back into use launched in Croydon this week.
The National Empty Loans Fund is a joint initiative between the council, charity Empty Homes, central government and mortgage lender Ecology Building Society.
It will provide loans of up to £15,000 to owners of empty properties to help bring them back into use.
The hope is this would ease the pressure on Croydon Council’s housing shortage and provide homes for families in temporary accommodation.
Croydon currently has about 1,000 homes that have been empty for longer than six months, and more than 2,000 households living in temporary accommodation.
Croydon is one of 39 local authorities taking part in the scheme.
Councillor Dudley Mead, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: “Empty properties are a waste given the shortage of housing and the high demand for homes. They are also often in a poor condition and are an eyesore to neighbours.
“However sometimes this is because the owners do not have the money that is required to bring them back into a habitable standard.
“This fund will help tackle this problem and provide homes for families that need them.”
Owners of empty properties who would like advice on funding and how to return their property to use should call 020 8760 5470 or visit the council's website.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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