Empty homes grants available to help tackle homelessness

Owners of empty homes in Rutland can apply for grants to help bring properties back into use in a way that reduces homelessness in the County.

Rutland County Council is offering grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 (or up to £15,000 in exceptional cases) as part of its Empty Homes Grant Scheme.

The offer of financial assistance comes with certain conditions. Funds can be used to pay for repairs that are needed to make empty homes habitable, with the owner then required to rent the property to households at risk of homelessness for a minimum period of five years, at rents matching the Local Housing Allowance plus 10%.

The Council will carefully consider each application based on a range of factors, including how well a property meets local housing need (including its location and practicality), the length of time a property has been left empty and whether the investment represents value for money.

“We work closely with families to try and prevent homelessness and find suitable accommodation when they have nowhere to live. Empty properties are an obvious source of additional housing and can often create problems for local communities if they’re left abandoned and fall into disrepair. Our Empty Homes Grants Scheme can help to cover the cost of bringing these properties back into use in a way which then helps people who don’t have a place to live.”

Cllr Diane Ellison, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health

Rutland currently has 216 empty homes that have been unoccupied for more than six months. The Council is supporting 63 families at risk from homelessness, with 16 in temporary accommodation due to a lack of available housing.

Rutland County Council’s Empty Homes Grant Scheme is being administered in partnership with Peterborough City Council. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Council as soon as possible, as funding is limited.