Council offers cash to improve homes for rent

Landlords and property owners with long-term empty homes in one city could receive up to £20,000 to bring properties back into use for tenants.

It’s part a three-pronged housing strategy that could see selective licensing being extended from 2027.

Liverpool City Council is also proposing to carry out compulsory purchasing and the enforced sale of homes.

The third scheme will see the council’s freehold sales programme continuing so long‑leaseholders of single residential properties can buy the freehold of their homes at a fixed price.

Wasted empty homes

Cllr Hetty Wood, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Empty homes are a waste when so many people across our city are desperate for somewhere safe and secure to live.

“This grant scheme is about giving owners practical help to bring properties back into use, while making sure public investment delivers real benefits for local people.

“Every home we can bring back into use is a home that could help a family move out of temporary accommodation, reduce pressure on our housing services and improve neighbourhoods that have suffered from blight for far too long.”

She added: “We’re clear that support will go hand in hand with firm action where owners refuse to engage, because leaving homes empty simply isn’t acceptable when housing need is so high.”

Cash improvement grants

The council’s £7.3 million Empty Homes Grant scheme will see grants, worth between £5,000 and £20,000, being offered.

The cash is available for homes that have been empty for at least 12 months.

Properties improved with public funding will need to be brought up to a legally compliant standard, including the removal of serious hazards such as unsafe wiring and gas faults.

In return, the homes will be made available as affordable rent accommodation for households on the council’s housing waiting list.

Liverpool currently has 10,378 empty homes across its wards and the council says bringing empty homes back into use can be quicker and more cost effective than building new properties.

The scheme is expected to run for up to three years, or until the funding has been fully allocated.

Liverpool selective licensing

Liverpool’s current selective licensing scheme covers around 80% of privately rented homes and is due to expire in 2027.

It says the current scheme has helped tackle poor conditions and protect tenants, although non-compliance remains an issue.

Residents, landlords and letting agents will be asked for their views on the next version of the scheme, including whether it should remain city-wide or be targeted at specific neighbourhoods.

A final decision will be taken by the council’s cabinet.

Cllr Hetty Wood, cabinet member for housing told Place North West: “Selective licensing has helped to raise standards and protect tenants in some of our communities.

“This consultation is an important next step, giving residents and landlords the chance to shape how we continue that work in the future.”