Just 185 out of 3,500 vacant homes converted into social housing

Latest figures show that just 185 properties have been brought back into stock through the repair and lease scheme since 2017, which provides property owners with grants to renovate houses and then rent them to local authorities.

A scheme set up to provide 3,500 vacant homes for social housing is to be overhauled after just 185 properties have been brought back into use.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien is to change the repair and lease scheme which has fallen significantly short of the target set.