29 May 2012 Last updated at 08:48 ET

Cash boost to tackle empty homes in North West

Almost £28m of government money will be used to bring empty houses across the North West of England back into use.

Six councils successfully bid for the cash from the the Clusters of Empty Homes Fund.

The highest amount of £16.7m was awarded to Liverpool City Council and £3.6m was given to The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.

Lancaster was given £1.9m, Blackpool £1.6m, Cumbria £500,000 and Barrow nearly £3.5m.

The money will be matched with cash from other public bodies and the private sector, with the aim of renovating derelict houses so they can once again be lived in.

The councils are among 20 to benefit across England.

Communities Minister Andrew Stunell said: "I'm delighted to announce this funding boost 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."