New measures to tackle the blight of empty homes will be added to the Housing Bill it was announced this week.

After intense lobbying by charities and MPs an amendment tabled by Labour backbencher David Kidney (Stafford) has been added to the Bill.

The proposed government amendments will help create a fairer and more effective housing market by tackling the 300,000 long-term empty homes. Councils will be able to force homeowners to rent out properties that stand empty for more than six months. If the owner refuses, the councils will be able to make an Empty Homes Management Order allowing them to take over the property, modernise it if required and let it out themselves.

The owners of the property will be paid a rental income less any renovation expenses incurred by the council.

Housing minister Keith Hill said the government's decision to table amendments to the Housing Bill reflects a commitment to bringing long-term empty homes back into productive use.

"We will not tolerate houses sitting empty, becoming magnets for vandals and anti-social behaviour, at a time when there is a shortage of homes in some parts of this country,” the minister said.

"Although I will continue to encourage voluntary measures wherever possible, I recognise councils need effective powers if owners refuse to co-operate. Management Orders, which allow the council to step into an owner's shoes, are the key to unlocking the potential of thousands of empty homes," he continued.

The amended Housing Bill is due for its second reading in the House of Commons on 7 June.