Implementation of Strategies for Renovating Abandoned Homes is Well Underway
The Isle of Man and Wales are taking significant steps to address the issue of empty homes for sale, which are often associated with anti-social behaviour and a wasted resource, particularly during the current housing crisis.
In the Isle of Man, Member of the House of Keys (MHK), Jason Moorhouse, has called for the reinstatement of rates for buildings in disrepair and the imposition of penalties for owners who fail to maintain their properties. This call comes as a response to the 2021 census, which revealed approximately 5,600 vacant homes for sale on the island, including flats, houses, and cottages used as holiday accommodation.
Tynwald, the Parliament of the Isle of Man, has backed a bid to tackle vacant and derelict properties within their region. The Isle of Man's Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, or a related housing authority, is typically responsible for addressing vacant and dilapidated buildings for sale. However, specific agency details are not directly provided in the search results.
The Welsh Government, on the other hand, has introduced the National Empty Home Grant Programme in January 2023. This programme aims to make vacant properties for sale safe and improve their energy efficiency, with a focus on addressing the issue of empty properties for sale and converting them into affordable homes. The Welsh Government has allocated £5m for the programme, with individual owners of private properties eligible for grants up to £250,000.
In Wales, Caerphilly County Borough Council has reminded owners of private properties that have been empty for up to 12 months to renovate them and convert them into affordable homes for sale. On June 21, 2023, the council issued a reminder, urging property owners to take action to address the issue.
The National Empty Home Grant Programme in Wales is expected to run for the next two years and has the potential to bring 2,000 long-term empty properties for sale back into use. The programme is part of a broader effort by the UK authorities, including the Isle of Man and Wales, to reduce the number of empty properties for sale and provide affordable homes for those in need.
Inflation rates are not decreasing at a satisfactory pace, causing hardship for low-income households who have had to cut out basic necessities like heating and food to pay bills. Against this backdrop, an amendment by Treasury Minister Alex Allison to explore penalties for all vacant buildings for sale gained support. The Treasury must report back to Tynwald by the end of October.
Tackling the issue of empty homes for sale is a priority for local councils, as they are a detriment to local communities. Cllr Shayne Cook, the Council's Cabinet Member for Housing in the Isle of Man, stated, "We need to take action to bring these properties for sale back into use and provide much-needed affordable homes for our communities."
The National Empty Home Grant Programme in Wales is a significant step towards addressing the issue of empty homes for sale and providing affordable housing for sale. Similar initiatives in the Isle of Man and other parts of the UK are expected to follow suit, providing hope for those in need of a place to call home.
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