Clackmannanshire Council has been awarded funding for two projects which will aim to bring empty private sector homes back into use.

An Empty Homes Officer is to be shared with Stirling and Falkirk Councils to provide advice and assistance to homeowners.

The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership scheme is backed by partial Scottish government funding and supported by Shelter Scotland.

The Council has also been awarded £75,000 from the Empty Homes Loan Fund, which will be used along with £25,000 top-up funding from the Council to bring around 10 long-term vacant properties into use for private renting.

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Kristen Hubert, Empty Homes Coordinator, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: "The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership is pleased to be involved in the Forth Valley Empty Homes Shared Services Project along with Clackmannanshire Council.

"Having a dedicated Empty Homes Officer can make all the difference to owners struggling to bring their empty homes back into use. We would also like to offer our congratulations to the Council on their successful loan fund bid and we look forward to working with them across both their new projects."

Housing, Health and Care Committee Convener, Councillor Les Sharp, said: "Owners who sign up for the scheme will receive assistance of up to £10,000, a one-off grant of £2,500 plus an interest free loan of up to £7,500. In return, owners must agree to let their property for a minimum of five years to young, single people who need their own home. The rent level will be set at an affordable level, within housing benefit limits."

The scheme will also provide skills training for prospective tenants, sustain local employment and improve energy efficiency in the private rented sector.

(IT)