MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL has launched a consultation into empty homes as they offer people in socially rented homes a £2,500 cash incentive to downsize.

Tenants will be able to receive support to move into a smaller property, which the council calls “rightsizing” — potentially freeing up larger council homes for families waiting on the register.

About 20,000 households are currently waiting to receive council housing in Manchester.

The council’s executive member for housing and development, Gavin White, said: “Rightsizing could be a brilliant option for older people who are renting a council home [and] may have spare rooms they don’t need or would benefit from looking after a smaller property.

“Often a barrier to moving is the cost, but the council will take care of the financial burden to help a resident move into a new home.

“We think around a third of council tenants could be under-occupying their home – which means they could be paying more than they need to or they could be hit with the bedroom tax.”