Knowsley Council is supporting Empty Homes Week which takes place from Monday 27 February – Sunday 5 March.
A key priority for the Council is to bring empty homes back into use and take action around empty homes that are having a negative impact in our communities. This year, the council continues to call on owners of empty properties to bring them back into use.
The Council proactively works with owners and developers to look at ways properties can be brought back into sustainable use, often after being unoccupied for an extended period. The Council also utilises enforcement measures where neglected buildings are causing detrimental issues in our neighbourhoods.
Throughout this week, Knowsley Council’s dedicated Empty Home officers will be visiting areas across the borough to continue to engage with residents and owners in order to tackle the issue of empty homes.
Empty home owners have a number of options to help return their property into use, including moving into the property, selling it, or letting it out, meaning you will receive a regular income.
If you decide to let the property, there is a range of advice and support available. It’s advised that you become accredited with your local authority or join a national organisation such the Residential Landlords Association. Alternatively, Knowsley Council offer the Knowsley Landlord Accreditation Scheme – a voluntary scheme designed to recognise good quality, well managed private sector accommodation in Knowsley. Unlike other similar schemes the Knowsley Landlord Accreditation Scheme is free to join.
Councillor Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Tackling empty homes is a key priority for the Council and it’s really important that we work with property owners to bring empty properties back into use. For those property owners who already are or are considering letting their property, I’d encourage them to join the Knowsley Landlord Accreditation scheme which offers and range of advice and benefits for them and their tenants.”
Support is available for the renovation of long term empty properties through a reduction in VAT that is paid on certain elements of the refurbishment, depending on how long the property has been empty, with a two-year and ten-year empty discount. You can find specific details on VAT reductions on the Government’s website.
Further information about empty homes in Knowsley is available on the Council’s website.
To report any issues relating to an empty home, please contact the Council’s Empty Homes Officer on 0151 443 4712, email empty.homes@knowsley.gov.uk, or visit the Knowsley Council website here