KIRKLEES officials last night received a cash boost to help deal with the problem of empty homes.

The Government yesterday announced that Kirklees Council would receive an extra £2.87m to deal with vacant properties.

The investment is part of a package of £60m shared between 20 local authorities.

Communities minister Andrew Stunell said: “The number of empty homes in this country is a national disgrace – for every two families that need a home there is one standing empty.

“Empty homes bring down a neighbourhood and attract vandals and fly-tipping, as well as being a waste of much-needed housing.

“I’m delighted to announce this funding boost today that will allow councils and community groups to bring these houses back to life and offer families a chance of a stable and secure home. We need to do much more to tackle this problem. This Government is breathing life back into these neglected neighbourhoods”.