WQ94846 (w) Tabled on 05/11/2024

How many a) empty homes; and b) empty buildings have been returned for use as homes during the term of this Senedd so far?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government | Answered on 15/11/2024

The Transforming Towns programme has brought 2,300 residential homes back into use, with 400 of these coming from the Transforming Towns Loans scheme and 1,900 from the Property Loans scheme.

The Land and Buildings Development Fund established to redevelop difficult buildings, has seen131 properties brought back into use since 2021.

The Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme, established in 2022-23, has in it’s first year provided £76.4m to Local Authorities and RSLs to bring forward 936 homes, including 374 properties brought back into use. In 2023-24, TACP utilised £87.2m of grant funding to bring forward a further 780 properties, with 240 of these properties brought back into use as homes. 

Through Leasing Scheme Wales, 233 properties have been signed up to the scheme, of which around 60% had previously been empty for 6 months or more.

Through the Empty Homes Grant Scheme there have been 929 valid applications, of which 136 have progressed and been brought back into use as homes.