Long-term empty properties are at an all time low in Barking and Dagenham – unlocking additional funding for the council through the government’s New Homes Bonus.

Since 2011 the number of properties empty for longer than six months has dropped nearly 70 per cent from 750 to 219, making the council among the top three boroughs in the capital for managing empty properties.

Cllr Saima Ashraf, cabinet member for housing, said: “Bringing empty homes back into use has many benefits – it adds to the housing supply, contributes to local regeneration as well as playing an important part in making people feel safe in their community.”

By 2019 the Council will receive around £2.8m though the scheme, based on extra council tax revenue raised for homes brought back into use.