Written question WQ90578

Working in partnership with local authorities and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), we are committed to bringing as many properties as possible back into use through a range of measures, to help address the significant housing pressures across Wales.

As part of our response to these housing pressures, we established the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP) to bring forward more good quality longer term accommodation at pace. In its first year (2022-23), TACP supported social landlords with funding to bring 374 void properties back into use. Applications for funding to bring voids back into use are again being supported through TACP in 2023-24.

The Social Housing Grant (SHG) has always supported the acquisition of empty homes based on local need. Previously local authorities were able to allocate 20% of their budget to the acquisition of existing dwellings but, in recognition of significant housing pressures, this limit has been removed to support the acquisition of more dwellings.

Through our Empty Homes Grant Scheme, we are also investing up to £50m to bring up to 2,000 long-term empty properties back into use. Although predominantly aimed at owner occupiers, RSLs, local authorities and community housing groups are able to access the funding for empty properties they acquire to bring back into use as affordable housing.

Owners of empty properties can also access Leasing Scheme Wales (LSW), which was launched in January 2022. This scheme involves local authorities leasing and taking over the management of properties over a period of between five and 20 years. A key aspect of the scheme involves properties being let at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to provide more affordable housing. Empty properties supported through LSW are eligible for a higher rate of grant funding.