This year to mark Empty Homes Week, 30 November - 6 December 2015, Ealing Council is highlighting the assistance it offers to property owners who want to bring their empty homes back into use.

Owners will be able to find out how they could get grants of up to £15,000 to renovate properties that have been empty for more than six months before renting them out.

Eligible works could include thermal upgrading works, improvements to kitchens and bathroom, structural repair works, and electrical re-wiring. On completion, the property would need to meet the national Decent Homes Standard.

The council has an empty property strategy to help reduce the borough’s housing shortage by bringing unoccupied homes back into use. Council officers can offer free, expert advice and information to help owners of empty homes in Ealing to get their properties occupied again. A free, one-to-one appointment service is also available.

In addition, the council offers a free matchmaking service to connect owners of empty properties with potential buyers.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for housing, said: "We want to do all we can to support owners of empty properties in Ealing which in turn will help us to tackle housing needs locally. Emphasising our empty property services during Empty Homes Week is a great way to raise awareness around this issue."

"I encourage anyone interested in getting their empty property back on the market, whether for rental or for sale, to contact the council to get free, expert advice and information from our officers about the support we offer."

Ms Cullum, whose property in Greenford had been standing empty for three years, was able to overcome a number of obstacles to renovate the property with the support of the council. Commenting on the successful outcome, she said the property "was renovated to an extremely high standard in a very short time. I wholeheartedly appreciated their prompt, professional and friendly service."

The Empty Homes Week national awareness campaign not only celebrates local achievements in bringing empty homes back into use, it also sets out the various schemes available for making the most of empty properties to meet housing needs.