It has been reported in Public Finance magazine that a number of UK councils are to be granted £1m to train those in social housing jobs  to convert private dwellings into social housing schemes or to utilise money for other schemes by selling off such dwellings as homes for first time buyers.

Government Housing Minister, John Healey, announced the funding on February 5, commenting that many landlords and tenants were unaware that councils had the authority to take over empty homes if owners decline to put them in a fit state and use them as housing. Such derelict properties will then be renovated by the council and rented to families on social housing waiting lists or once renovated, these properties can be sold on to secure money for other social housing projects.

As well as creating homes for those in need, the scheme also seeks to address social issues such as crime, vandalism and the anti-social behaviour that can be associated with derelict properties.

Mr Healey stated of the government's funding: ''Empty houses are both a blight on communities and a waste of much needed homes. I want councils using every tool available so that people can see action being taken against anti social behaviour in their area.''

David Ireland, chief executive of the Empty Homes Agency, was positive of the scheme commenting that ''every empty property is a missed opportunity for somebody to have a decent home.''

It is hoped that the scheme will train up to 10,000 social housing professionals to work in conjunction with specialist teams to champion the project. One of the first councils to adopt the plans is Torbay Council in Devon who have already mentioned plans to recruit an empty homes member of staff.