Mr. John Brannigan:

We appointed a vacant homes officer in the last quarter of last year. She has been very proactive in engaging with the owners of vacant properties. Through negotiation, we have also purchased other properties that are not on the derelict sites register but which are vacant. Over recent years, the emphasis of our staff has been on delivering new housing stock and upscaling our procurement and delivery of turnkey and direct-build units. With a town centre first and regeneration officer now to be appointed, the whole issue of vacancy and dereliction will certainly be a priority for us.