To ask the Minister for Communities to outline any plans he has to make use of the 20,000 vacant properties to address the shortage of housing supply.

Tackling long term vacant properties and creating opportunities for town or city-centre living plays an important role in regenerating towns and cities, supporting places to be vibrant and sustainable, where people want to live, work and visit.

I have been working on a Housing Supply Strategy to address the wider challenges facing housing supply. This includes consideration of how we can make best use of existing buildings to provide much need housing.

I am currently finalising this Strategy and intend to bring it to the Executive for consideration shortly.