Northern Ireland Assembly AERA Committee Launches Call for Evidence on Upcoming Dilapidation Bill

The Northern Ireland Assembly's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee has today launched a public Call for Evidence on the Dilapidation Bill.

The Committee is inviting individuals, organisations, and stakeholders with an interest in the proposed legislation to submit their views and expertise to the help the Committee in their deliberations and scrutiny.

The Dilapidation Bill, currently in its early stages,  is intended to give councils powers to deal with dilapidation, dangerous buildings and neglected sites and a fit-for-purpose enforcement regime - reflecting powers already available in the rest of the UK and will also enhance the cost recovery powers for councils.

The Committee's Call for Evidence is a crucial step in its scrutiny process, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives informs its consideration of the Bill.

Robbie Butler MLA, Chairperson of the NI Assembly’s AERA Committee said: "The Dilapidation Bill is a significant piece of legislation that will not only have wide-ranging impacts across various sectors, but will affect people in nearly every village, town and city in Northern Ireland."

"We are committed to a thorough and inclusive scrutiny process and receiving detailed evidence from those directly affected or with relevant expertise is vital to this.

“We encourage all interested parties to engage with this Call for Evidence and share their insights, which will be invaluable in shaping the Committee's recommendations on the Bill."

The Committee is particularly interested in receiving submissions that address:

• The potential impacts of the Bill on different stakeholders.
• Practical implications for implementation and enforcement.
• Any foreseen challenges or opportunities presented by the Bill.
• Suggestions for improvements or alternative approaches.

Interested parties can submit their evidence at https://lk.cmte.fyi/DilapidationBill

ENDS

Further information

• Visit the Committee's webpage for further information about the Bill