Ninety five housing associations, local authorities and other providers are set to deliver over 5,600 new affordable homes by bringing empty properties back into use, as the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) confirmed successful organisations for £70m of Empty Homes funding. This is significantly more than originally anticipated.

This is the first time that the HCA has administered an Empty Homes Programme, which will fund the refurbishment of properties which have been standing empty for a minimum period of 6 months. The Empty Homes Programme sits as a distinct funding stream within the HCA’s main Affordable Homes Programme 2011-15.

The £70m announced is part of the £100m of Empty Homes funding announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review; the remaining £30m is being made available exclusively for community led groups and is being administered by DCLG’s appointed provider, Tribal UK.

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With over 700,000 homes standing empty across the country, the issue remains a key government priority. Chief executive of the HCA, Pat Ritchie, said of the allocations: "One of the HCA's key aims is to maintain a supply of affordable homes. With thousands of homes and properties lying empty across England, we have a leading role to play in tackling the issue of empty homes blighting our communities, and this funding is welcomed. The high level of interest we received by providers bidding to participate in this programme demonstrates just how important an issue it is.

"I am pleased therefore to be able to confirm our funding allocations for this spending period. Every part of the country is set to benefit, and we will be continuing to work closely with our local partners to maximise the allocations and deliver value for money in those areas where the need is greatest."

In 2011 the HCA published its Empty Homes Toolkit, which is intended to be a useful for a wide range of audiences - from property owners, and concerned neighbours, to council officers and local councillors, who have a front-line role in helping and enabling their communities tackle many of the challenges posed by empty properties.

(CD/GK)