The government has outlined plans to help councils bring empty or derelict properties back into use. Empty Dwelling Management Orders will give councils new powers to take over the management of houses and flats temporarily to bring them up to a standard whereby they could be let out to tenants. The properties would go back to their owners once arrangements had been made to repay reasonable costs incurred. The orders were first put forward in the 2004 Housing Act. Baroness Andrews, parliamentary secretary for housing and planning, said the orders would only be used if owners were not willing to co-operate or showed no valid reason why the property should remain empty. “Empty homes have blighted our communities and attracted anti-social behaviour for far too long,” she said. “The new management orders are an ideal opportunity to bring these properties back into use so as to provide much need accommodation locally.”