Moreover, the number of homes already empty in those two areas leapt by 22 per cent from 1998 to 2001, according to government figures compiled by the agency. Yorkshire and Humberside saw an increase of 15 per cent in empty homes.
The numbers offset modest falls in empties in the south, leaving a total for England of 750,000.
The alarming figures emerged as the government chose nine pathfinder areas in the north and Midlands to work out strategies for the housing market renewal fund.
No cash for the scheme has been promised ahead of the comprehensive spending review in July, but insiders say the government is conscious of the political fallout if it raises expectations and then fails to deliver the funds.
Housing organisations have bid for £800m a year over 10 years.
The pathfinders, in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, East Lancashire, Oldham and Rochdale, South Yorkshire, Hull, Tyneside, Stoke, and Birmingham and Sandwell, will each cover between 40,000 and 120,000 homes.
DTLR secretary Stephen Byers said: “Many have made the case for substantial additional capital investment to address the problems of low demand. This will be considered in the spending review.
“But capital spend, if it is to achieve good value for money, requires careful preparation. That preparation must start now and strategic action plans developed.”
National Housing Federation chief executive Jim Coulter (pictured) said: “This is excellent news, and exactly what is needed to bring hope back to areas which have become run down as a result of failing housing markets.”
But the agency warned that while the fund is vital, it will not succeed without action on planning first.
It said: “New build on greenfield sites is bleeding the inner urban areas. Planning departments are not making the best use of existing housing.
“The result is that continuing to build on the fringes undermines efforts at urban renewal.”
Source
Housing Today
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