Community and voluntary organisations to bid for a share of £100 million pot

The money is available for projects which bring empty homes back into use as affordable housing; deliver value for money; have support from their local authority, and are expected to be complete by 31 March 2015.

"The blight of empty, abandoned homes is putting strain on communities right across the country," said Stunell. "The Government is committed to bringing this national scandal to an end. That's why the programme I've launched today will give communities a chance to breathe new life into their neighbourhoods."

Stunnel said that the scheme is "an opportunity to create high quality new homes to ease the local waiting list, boost local skills and revive local pride".

The funding is part of the Government's Affordable Homes Programme to build up to 170,000 affordable homes over the next four years. Community groups will receive up to £30m of the £100m total.

To be eligible for funding properties need to be empty for at least 2 years and it needs to be the case that they would be expected to remain empty without this funding. The funding may be used to acquire or lease properties currently in the ownership of public bodies, Government departments, unregistered landlords and co-operatives which are not subsidiaries of registered providers and private individuals or companies.

Empty homes which have previously been let as social housing and which have already been subject to public housing subsidy are not eligible for funding.

The deadline for applications is 17 April 2012. Tribal Group PLC has been appointed to administer the fund.