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<p>Local authorities are equipped with a range of powers and strong incentives to
tackle empty homes. Through the New Homes Bonus, they earn the same financial reward
for bringing an empty home back into use as for building a new one. This includes
social housing and there is an additional premium for every affordable home delivered.
Billing authorities have the discretion to charge up to 100 per cent extra council
tax – on top of the standard bill – on properties that have been empty for at least
two years.</p><p>In certain circumstances, local authorities can apply for an Empty
Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) to temporarily take over the management of a property
that has been empty for more than two years and bring it back into use. Local authorities
have a variety of compulsory purchase powers which they can use to acquire and develop
derelict or empty property, including for housing purposes. However, compulsory purchase
is intended for use as a last resort and there must always be a compelling case in
the public interest.</p><p>The Estate Regeneration National Strategy good practice
guide (published December 2016) supports social housing landlords. It sets out the
importance of assessing the estate, including over and under occupancy and opportunities
for further development. We have also given local housing authorities the tools to
deliver a new generation of council housing by removing the Housing Revenue Account
borrowing cap.</p>
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