Aberconwy's MS Janet Finch-Saunders has encouraged local authorities to take up grants to improve the safety and energy efficiency of empty homes.

A grant of up to £25,000 will be available for homeowners or prospective homeowners to remove significant hazards from their properties to make them safe to live in and to improve their energy efficiency.

To qualify for the grant, the property must have been registered as empty with the local authority for a minimum of 12 months prior to commencement of the works.

Once the works have been completed, the successful applicant must then live in that property as their main and only residence for a minimum of five years.

Aside from owner occupiers, Registered Social Landlords, local authorities and community housing groups will also be able to access the funding for empty properties they are acquiring to bring back into use as affordable housing.

Commenting on the news today, Janet said:“I welcome the availability of these empty home grants. These grants have the potential to provide essential housing stock for those who need it most.

“But, in addition, they will also provide for essential improvements in energy efficiency, which are so vital during the current cost-of-living crisis.

“However, concerns have been raised with me that £25,000 may not be enough to meet the full cost of many of these projects.

“Nevertheless, the announcement is welcome and a positive step in the right direction, as we have been consistently calling for.

“I would encourage all local authorities, including Conwy County Borough Council, to make the best use possible of this support”.