HOMES across a sprawling area of North Yorkshire are to come under close scrutiny – in a bid to safeguard council cash.

A major review is being carried out of supposedly empty homes across Hambleton and Richmondshire – to check that they are actually unoccupied.

The action is being taken as many people do not inform the district councils when previously empty properties become occupied.

That in turn leads to the local authorities missing out on council tax payments.

It also means the New Homes Bonus that is paid out by central Government on every new house built or home brought back into use is affected.

The councils’ head of revenues and benefits, Brian Bottle, said: “Houses that have been empty for more than six months have to pay full council tax.

“As a result we are not always told when the properties come back into use.”

He added: “It is important that we know the current position as this can affect the entitlement to future discounts and exemptions.

“And it is financially advantageous to the council if properties are in use as this affects the New Homes Bonus we receive.”

The review - which runs from June to October - is being carried out for the authoroties by Capacity Grid, a division of Liberata, a leading provider of business process, outsourcing and support services to local government.

It will initially write to all known empty homes to assess the position. If there is no response inspectors will visit the properties on the Council’s behalf.

For more information – or to report an empty home that is now in use - contact Hambleton District Council on 0845 1211 555 or Richmondshire District Council on 01748 829100