RESOLVED:
1. That the report be noted and the following bids for capital funding to help increase the number of properties brought back into use across the borough be agreed:
a) A capital allocation of £2m to provide funding to compulsory purchase (CPO) long-term empty homes. This will be a revolving fund as costs will be recouped from the sale of the properties. Further details in paragraphs 29-33 of the report.
b) To increase the annual capital funding available for grants to refurbish empty homes from £95k to £400k. Further details in paragraphs 22-26 of the report.
c) To increase the annual capital funding available for loans to refurbish empty homes from £62k to £700k. Further details in paragraphs 22-26 of the report.
d) To support the expanded programme two additional officers will be recruited. The costs for the posts will be £90k. These posts will be funded from capital resources. Further details in paragraphs 27-28 of the report.