NI Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie has launched for public consultation a draft Regeneration and Housing Bill.

The draft bill puts forward policy proposals for the transfer of three areas of operational delivery from the Department for Social Development (DSD) and four from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in May 2011, under the Review of Public Administration (RPA).

The three DSD functions are: work in tackling urban deprivation - primarily the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, operational delivery of physical development projects under town and city regeneration including; comprehensive development, public realm and environmental improvement and local community development support.

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The four NIHE functions are: houses in multiple occupation, housing unfitness, the Living Over The Shop (LOTS) initiative and local energy conservation.

"I want to see local government strengthened through RPA," said Minister Ritchie.

"The draft Regeneration and Housing Bill will allow for the transfer of a range of regeneration and housing functions from my Department to local government control and will extend and complement existing Council services.

"I am keen to hear from a wide range of stakeholders and members of the public and would encourage people to read the detail of the legislation and share their views."

The consultation period on proposals for a Regeneration and Housing Bill will run until 26 April 2010.

(NS/GK)