£1.5m cash boost for Wirral Council

Feb 13 2013 by Linda Foo Guest, Wallasey News

WIRRAL Council is to receive a £1.5m boost to its coffers.

The payout is thanks to the Government’s New Homes Bonus scheme to reward councils for delivering new homes, including affordable properties, and bringing empty stock back in to use.

In Wirral, 625 new homes were created during the period October 2011-2012.

Of that, £441,000 was generated by 412 residences brought back in to use through new houses built and empty homes renovated.

A further £74,550 was awarded for creating the other 213 homes classed as affordable housing, including caravan pitches.

In total the period generated £515,800 income for Wirral Council, which will continue to be paid annually until 2019.

But with the rollover of money accumulated by the scheme from the previous two years added, the borough will be paid £1.5m. It will be allocated in 2013-14.

Councils decide how the bonus is spent – such as building more homes, keeping council tax down or boosting frontline services like rubbish collection and leisure centres.

Cllr George Davies, cabinet member for housing and community strategy, said: “The New Homes Bonus recognises Wirral’s commitment to invest in new housing stock, provide affordable homes and encourage the reoccupation of empty homes.

“It will contribute towards the council’s overall budget, which already supports housing initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply, improving housing conditions and bringing empty property back into use.

“This in turn will help to increase future New Homes Bonus awards and continue to deliver further benefits to local people.”

Housing minister Mark Prisk announced the payouts, which are worth £668m to be shared by England’s 353 councils. Almost a third of the top 30 recipients were in the Midlands and North.

He said that encouraging growth was a positive way for councils to raise revenue for their communities.