New life for derelict homes

Derelict homes are being brought back into use to prevent danger to children, stop vandalism and cut down on anti-social behaviour.

In the last 12 months Liverpool City Council's Vacant and Dilapidated Property Initiative has brought nearly 500 properties back into use generating an extra £1/2 million pounds in council tax revenue which helps to pay for vital services and keeps bills down.

The initiative has proved extremely popular with local communities where it has helped stop drug addicts getting into empty houses and causing mayhem. It also means that children cannot get into derelict homes and injure themselves.

Councillor Marilyn Fielding, Lib Dem executive member for neighbourhoods, said: "This is an excellent initiative. It can stop an area going downhill and brings houses back into use for families who desperately need them."

As well as increasing the number of homes in the city, the scheme has advantages for everyone:-

Stops a build up of rubbish outside empty properties
Helps avoid rat infestation or other vermin
Prevents the risk of injury to children who enter an empty property
Reduces crime and vandalism
Prevents fly-tipping
Stops the negative affect on house prices
Every house brought back into use means extra council tax to pay for vital services

The council receives around 1,000 calls a year by people complaining of the blight caused by long term vacant properties.

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