Northern Rock should be forced to lend to people on low incomes so they can buy empty homes, the National Housing Federation has said.
The umbrella body wants the nationalised bank to be made to lend to people who are interested in low-cost home ownership schemes, which might include first-time buyers, key workers, and social tenants.
Inside Housing is running a campaign calling on the government to help landlords fill their empty properties.
There are nearly 10,000 homes built for low-cost home ownership currently standing empty. The NHF believes demand for the homes still exists, but potential buyers are unable to get banks to lend them the money they need in the current financial climate.
Federation chief executive David Orr said: ‘Given that Northern Rock has been nationalised it should now be made by ministers to take on a social purpose and ensure that those people on low-to-moderate incomes who can afford to buy a low-cost home, and have a good credit rating, are given access to mortgages.
‘Such a policy would allow people on lower incomes to buy their own home where they can afford it, would help kick start the housing market, and ensure that thousands of homes currently lying vacant are used.’
To pledge your support for Inside Housing’s Empty Promise campaign, email emptypromise@insidehousing.co.uk, or for more information visit our campaign page