There are more than 1,100 private homes in Oldham currently lying empty, according to new figures.

The number has prompted calls from the Liberal Democrats to bring them back into use to address homelessness and reduce pressure to build on the green belt.

The figures obtained through a freedom of information request showed that in November last year 1,137 private homes were lying empty.

Data released the following month by government also shows that there were 5,421 households on the waiting list of Oldham Council for a home.

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, the Liberal Democrat member for Shaw, said it was “scandalous” that there were so many empty homes.

He said: “Homes which remain empty for a long period of time are often neglected and fall into disrepair, leading to an area becoming blighted and driving down neighbouring property prices.

“At a time when families on the council waiting list are in desperate need of a property to make their home, it is scandalous that we have so many empty homes that could be put to good use. If we bring empty homes back into use, it will also mean that there will be less pressure to build new homes on our irreplaceable green belt.

He went on to explain how this could be done.

He said: “One of the ways that we can incentivise absentee owners to let or sell properties they leave empty for long-periods is to levy an increased council tax on them, as we are permitted to do by law.

“This is an option we would like to see Oldham Council look at in the budget for the next financial year.”

Councillor Hannah Roberts, cabinet member for housing, said the local authority had purchased a number of empty homes in the last year.

She said: “Oldham Council is committed to bringing empty homes back into use through our Empty Home Scheme and by using the powers we have to levy additional council tax on long term empty properties.

“Over the past 12 months, as part of a pilot scheme with Homes England, we have also purchased a number of empty properties. These are being refurbished to provide new affordable housing for the borough.

“The charge for unoccupied and unfurnished properties depends on the length of time the property has been vacant. Homes that have been empty for between six months and two years are charged 100% council tax and any homes empty for more than two years must pay 200% council tax.”

She added: “It is wrong that homes are sat empty when there are many people in need of somewhere to live. We will do everything we can provide a solution.”