North Lanarkshire Council has said its Empty Homes Initiative is delivering results by breathing life into vacant, derelict properties across the area and turning them into homes for local people.

Over 52 empty properties have been bought back into use under the scheme which involves the local authority buying long-term privately owned empty properties, in high demand areas, and renting them out to tenants.

The initiative’s success has received national recognition after taking The Howden’s ‘Scottish Empty Homes Champion of the Year’ title recognising exemplary contributions to the field of private sector empty homes work in Scotland.

North Lanarkshire Council buys back properties:

Councillor Barry McCulloch, convener of housing services, said: “We’re working hard to address some of the issues faced by owners and communities relating to empty and derelict properties.

“While we are keen to buy empty properties, any purchase must represent value for money to the council and applications are prioritised.

“Our initiative is proving to be very successful with over 360 applications received from people expressing an interest in selling their homes. The benefits are there for all to see – providing additional homes for residents and improving the look and safety of local communities.”