Welcome for empty homes plan that may increase safety gloves use

Plans announced by housing minister Grant Shapps to help those living in half-empty and abandoned streets have been welcomed an industry expert.

David Ireland, chief executive at Empty Homes, said the proposals - which could see safety gloves worn at sites across the UK - are an improvement on previous announcements concerning government action in relation to this problem.

He stated that one of the crucial points raised by the minister is that the funding will be used to bring empty properties back in to use as opposed to moving people from areas with high vacancy levels to more densely populated locations.

Mr Ireland said that areas in the north of England and the Midlands will benefit from the plans, although they will not be a magic bullet which will deal with the whole problem.

"We welcome it. It is good that we have got some proper funding for these regions and areas," he added.

Mr Shapps announced that £71 million will be made available to tackle the issue of vacant houses, which could see builders wearing safety gloves begin work in the near future.
 

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