AN extra £1m generated by Dumfries and Galloway Council through tax on empty and second homes is to be ploughed into revitalising town centres.
Councillors agreed on Tuesday to direct this additional income to the 2023/24 Town Centre Living Fund (TCLF).
This cash will then be split among several key projects to increase the provision of housing in town centres and kickstart a regeneration process right across the region.
At the economy and resources committee, it was agreed to allocate £500,000 from the TCLF to support housing developments that will contribute to the regeneration of town centres.
A further £200,000 will be made available for grants where owners of empty properties can apply for up to £20,000 to help bring their properties back into use as affordable housing, subject to specific criteria.
Meanwhile, £300,000 will go towards providing grant assistance to tackle below tolerable standard properties across the region, again subject to conditions.
Annandale North Councillor Stephen Thompson asked how much money was collected last year through council tax on second homes – and was told it was about £1.3 million.
