Students on plumbing courses may agree with the idea that more empty homes should be brought back into use, as such projects could provide job opportunities.

David Ireland, chief executive of campaigning charity Empty Homes, described how the UK has a great need for affordable housing and there are plenty of properties that could be refurbished and made into useable houses.

He observed how a lot of residential areas in the north of England were cleared in preparation for major developments, which have since hit financial difficulties.

Mr Ireland called for the government to use the subsidies it holds for housing in such neighbourhoods to bring the homes back into use, which could involve the services of a technician who has completed plumbing courses.

"We think the main priority is actually getting more homes back into use," he said.

"Clearly where the government subsidies are going is for affordable homes."

This week, Communities and Local Government unveiled a series of recommendations on how local people and councils can improve areas by making properties usable after a long period of vacancy.

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