To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his proposed Dilapidation Bill.

Mr Muir

It is my intention to introduce a dilapidation Bill to the Assembly in the autumn term of the current session, subject, of course, to the agreement of my Executive colleagues. The proposed Bill would provide councils with a modern, fit-for-purpose regime and clear toolkit of powers to tackle dilapidated buildings and neglected sites, including a series of notices, offences, penalties and appeals. Powers would be similar to those that are available to local authorities in other parts of the UK, where low-level dilapidation can be dealt with at a much earlier stage. I am very keen to see that happen. The Bill is nearly ready to go. It is something that I called for before I took up ministerial office. You can be assured that I want to see it happen.

Mr Muir

The intended powers will enable councils to act in the absence of an identified owner by extending the range of persons on whom notice could be served to include any person with an interest in any neglected site, such as an owner-occupier, a person with a charge over or other financial interest in the land, or a person who has had responsibility for the management or maintenance of the land. In such a scenario where an owner cannot be established, a council would still be able to take action by serving a notice on an interested person. That is what is key about the legislation, because, often, it is difficult to get hold of whoever is responsible for a building. Even one dilapidated building can have a significant impact on a neighbourhood. It is key that we get that legislation through. It is nearly ready to go.

Mr O'Toole

A number of gradually dilapidating buildings in the middle of Belfast have historic and significant economic impact. One of them is Crumlin Road courthouse. There is a particular issue in the Cathedral Quarter with Tribeca Belfast. Some of the Bill's provisions —

Mr Speaker

Question, please.

Mr O'Toole

— would relate directly to that, but will the Minister work with his colleagues, particularly the Communities Minister, to see what can be done to tackle the scourge of dereliction, including that which is right in the heart of the city of Belfast?

Mr Muir

I will work with anyone to deal with any issues in society around that. Later this week, I will meet Belfast City Council. Obviously, the issue is on its agenda. The strength of the Executive is in how we work together on those issues. The Bill relates particularly to dilapidation powers. Councils have significant responsibilities on that. It is important that they step up. I am prepared to work with them. If the Member wants to meet to discuss those issues, I am happy to do so.

Mr Clarke

I think that we can all agree that some of those buildings are a scourge on our communities. Given the issues with identifying owners, is any consideration being given to the financial difficulties that those who own the buildings may face in trying to bring them back into use? Will you make any finance available to those individuals for bringing those buildings back into use?

Mr Muir

I understand the issue, but it probably extends a bit beyond the Bill. That issue sits largely with the Department for Communities and with your colleague Gordon Lyons. I am happy to work with Gordon on that, as well as with the councils, to see how we can help. Smaller amounts of money can often help towards the regeneration of local communities. We work together on regeneration, and there are opportunities to go forward with that. I am happy to speak to the Member if there are any particular areas in his constituency where we, together with Communities and the council, can help with regeneration and dealing with dilapidation.