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<p>As of October 2020, there were 268,385 long-term empty properties in England, 1,661
in Coventry and 28,740 in the West Midlands. Figures are not collected at parliamentary
constituency level</p><p><br> Local authorities have powers and strong incentives
to tackle empty homes. Through the New Homes Bonus, they receive the same amount for
bringing an additional empty home back into use over a baseline threshold as building
a new one</p><p>Billing authorities in England also have the power to charge up to
100% extra council tax - on top of the standard bill - on properties that have been
unoccupied and unfurnished for at least two years, up to 200% extra on properties
that have been empty for at least five years, and up to 300% extra on properties that
have been empty for at least 10 years</p><p><br> In certain circumstances, local authorities
can exercise powers to take over the management of long-term empty homes in order
to bring them back into use in the private rented sector. Local authorities can apply
for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) when a property has been empty for more
than two years, subject to the production of evidence that the property has been causing
a nuisance to the community and evidence of community support for their proposal</p><p><br>
Grant funding is also available through the Affordable Homes Programme to bring empty
homes back into use. Empty properties must not be existing social housing owned by
the Registered Provider or by another Registered Provider</p><p><br> It is for local
housing authorities to decide when to use their powers to deal with empty properties,
and they have the flexibility to focus on locally determined priorities and allocate
their resources accordingly.</p>
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