MEP supports use of EU funds to tackle Empty Homes

Following the Channel 4 Television programme ‘The Secret Millions’ bringing the issue of empty homes into the spotlight last night, East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin is today drawing attention to the help available from the EU to deal with the issue of empty homes in the East Midlands.

Recent statistics show that there are 710,140 empty homes in England, with 64,503 of those being in the East Midlands. This means that 3.24% of all homes in the East Midlands are currently empty, which is above the average for England of 3.06%.

There are a number of ways the EU can help with the issue of empty homes. The European Regional Development Fund is available to support innovation, sustainable development, better accessibility and training projects. If houses can be used for cultural projects then the CULTURE funding programme can be applied for.

Other information about funding the regeneration of historic houses can be found at http://www.ffhb.org.uk/

Miss McClarkin said:

“I want to draw attention to the number of empty homes across the East Midlands. The rate of empty homes in the region is above average for England, and although it’s not much above average, it is still a concern at a time when many people are on the waiting list for social housing.

“There are a number of EU funds which some empty houses would qualify for, and which I would encourage the owners of those houses to look into. Obviously the EU cannot help with every empty house, but the funding that is available will, I hope, help some empty houses in the East Midlands find new uses.”