Number of vacant houses in Rotherham hits 3,350

Empty Homes Week (23-27) aims to highlight the rise across the country — at a time of increased demand for properties.

National charity Action on Empty Homes says the number of unused dwellings now stands at 600,000.

Cllr Dominic Beck, RMBC cabinet member for housing, said: “We understand that there are a number of reasons why a home may become empty and unloved, such as financial difficulties, a change in situation or changes in health and care, but we want to work with empty home owners to make sure they maximise the use out of their properties.”