2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:36 pm on 5 November 2019.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 2:36, 5 November 2019

Thank you to Huw Irranca-Davies. The local authorities do have a number of powers available to them to help bring those redundant commercial properties back into use, as they do for residential properties. Those powers include the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Building Act 1984, and also those compulsory purchasing powers. However, I think what Government is really keen to ensure is that each local authority has the skills and knowledge and the confidence to use those powers to the best use for their communities. The Minister and Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government have agreed to bring on board an industry expert in this field into Welsh Government, to make sure that all local authorities in Wales do have the skills that they need in order to address this particular issue. And the Welsh Government has been dealing with empty properties through regeneration activities—the targeted regeneration programme, which I know you're very familiar with. But the housing Minister has suggested that you write to her, perhaps, for some further information with regard to the specific cases that you've described.

And, yes, I share your enthusiasm for Men's Sheds. They are absolutely amazing in terms of supporting mental health, but also helping to tackle loneliness and isolation in communities. And I think that seeing them roll out on a very regular basis is really exciting, and I look forward very much to the celebration that you'll be hosting here in the Assembly on 19 November.