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Wigan’s “Empty to Plenty” housing scheme offers lifeline to those needing affordable housing (18 January 2016)

Date: 18/01/2016
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Wigan’s “Empty to Plenty” housing scheme offers lifeline to those needing affordable housing

Wigan Council is taking steps to solve the housing crisis with a scheme called Empty to Plenty, under which empty properties across Wigan Borough have been brought back to life – and have given a vital lifeline to many residents in need of affordable housing.

In December 2015, Wigan resident Gary Armstrong, 29, moved into a property in Golborne that has been renovated through the Empty to Plenty scheme.

The new flat is one of six self-contained properties in a building that was formerly an empty and derelict pub.

Mr Armstrong moved to Wigan in 2008 and had been privately renting a property in the area. However, he lost his tenancy after he had to give up his job and could no longer afford the rent.

After being declared homeless, Mr Armstrong was referred to the bond scheme with community interest company Wigan Housing Solutions, who manage the properties on behalf of the council – and he was able to start looking for a home immediately.

“After about a week-and-a-half, I was in the property – it wasn’t long at all.

“I am in the flat on my own, but I do occasionally have custody of my son. I couldn’t see him when I was living on sofas and I couldn’t take him anywhere,” said Mr Armstrong.

“I was working as a chef and it was a stressful job – unfortunately the stress made me ill and I had to stop working.

“I couldn’t afford my rent or bills anymore, so I had to leave my rented accommodation and was living on sofas.

“My sister helped me because she knew how desperate I was – I didn’t have anywhere to live and was struggling quite a lot, which wasn’t doing my mental health any good,” he added.

The homes renovated through the scheme are all let at 80% of the full market rent, making them affordable for single people and those under the age of 35, such as Gary – or families on low incomes.

Unlike most private tenancies which have short leases, the properties are also leased for at least five years – meaning more security and permanency for tenants.

So far, 25 properties have been renovated and brought back to life in Wigan Borough, thanks to the Empty to Plenty scheme – which was launched in September 2013 by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is funded by the Homes and Communities Agency.

Mr Armstrong added:

“It means a lot to me – at the moment I’m left with about £18 a month after rent and bills, and when I was on full rent that gap was creating debt.

“Until I can get back into work, it’s about keeping calm and spending time with my son, which is a good thing for me and for my mental health.

“When I’m able to return back to work, I will – I love cooking and I want to get back into that.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise social housing tenants and private sector rental tenants on a wide range of housing law, including homelessness and council’s obligation to re-house, issues relating to disrepair of rented property – and Landlord’s obligations under the tenancy agreement.

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• Housing Benefit
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For expert legal advice on housing law, contact Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


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