Mr McCartney said yesterday: “I very much welcome this multi-million pound Government investment in bringing empty homes back into use.

“I’m interested in seeing how the council uses the cash to help regenerate our local town centres. I hope that some of these homes will be suitable for families.

“I look forward to more successful bids to bring empty homes in outlying villages back into use.”

Kirklees received £2.87m from the Government this week as part of a £60m investment package shared between 20 local authorities.