Areas of Stirling earmarked for regeneration will benefit

Stirling Council is set to raise more than �1m this year after it reduced the council tax discount on second homes and long-term empty properties.

The cash is being put in a fund which housing associations can access to build affordable accommodation.

The authority reduced council tax discounts on unoccupied dwellings from 50% to 10% in 2005.

Increase investment

As a result, the revenue generated from those properties is expected to rise by about �390,000 this year.

Councillor John Hendry, who is responsible for housing in Stirling Council said: "We have successfully generated more than �1m by reducing the council tax discount on second homes and long-term empty properties.

"This money will allow us to increase investment in social rented housing and continue with the planned regeneration of Cornton and Cultengrove."

Existing buildings in those areas of Stirling are being torn down and replaced with new, affordable homes.

The demolition alone will cost more than �3m, and more than �1m has already been allocated to the project.

The first award of �28,190 will be spent on a new Women's Aid refuge in the city.