More than 1,000 empty properties have been brought back into use in Fife.

The transformations have been made possible thanks to the local authority's policy to charge owners of long-term empty properties double council tax.

The move has subsequently encouraged a large number of owners to bring

At the beginning of the financial year, 2,115 properties were classed as long-term empty in Fife, and the owners received demands for double council tax on the buildings. This has subsequently prompted a number of owners to bring their properties back into use, and by the end of November 2014, more than 1,000 properties had been brought back into use.

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According to Fife Council, 669 properties saw works completed and the property let or sold; 176 properties had works completed and the property is now the owner's main residence; while works were completed on 261 properties and the property is now being advertised for sale or let.

Commenting on the figures, Councillor Gavin Yates, Executive Spokesperson, Community Health and Wellbeing, said: "The policy intention of introducing the additional charge was to encourage owners of properties which are empty, to bring these back into use to help the chronic shortage of available housing within the kingdom.

"It is very encouraging that so many owners have taken steps to bring their empty properties back into use. The Council would encourage any owner of such properties which are currently being charged the additional levy, who wish further assistance, to contact the Council's Empty Homes Team who can provide support, advice and guidance to owners."

(JP/CD)