Debate contribution: Dilapidation Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Mr Declan McAleer on 1 July 2025.

MLA

Mr Declan McAleer

Party at the time

Sinn Féin

Date

1 July 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Executive Committee Business

Heading

Dilapidation Bill: Second Stage

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5061368

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I thank the Minister for introducing the Bill and commend the Members who have spoken, including the Chair of the Committee, who accurately reflected the deliberations that we have had so far on the Bill. Sinn Féin welcomes the intent of the Dilapidation Bill. Across our towns and villages, the impact of dereliction and neglected buildings is plain to see. Such structures often sit at the heart of our communities in main streets, close to schools and near local businesses, and they send out the wrong message. They harm community confidence, deter investment and, in some cases, pose real safety risks.

The Bill, rightly, seeks to strengthen enforcement and give local councils the powers that they need in order to act. That is a step in the right direction, and, whilst we support the Bill's moving to the next stage, we are cautious about some aspects of it. Many of our councils are already under significant financial pressure, and the new powers must come with appropriate funding. It would be unfair and, ultimately, unworkable to expect councils to take on any additional enforcement responsibilities without the means to do so. Questions still need to be answered about the financial model behind the Bill. For example, how many properties are expected to fall under enforcement each year? What proportion will require significant structural work as opposed to basic maintenance? The estimated annual cost is £4 million, but how much of that will fall to councils, particularly in cases where the cost of works cannot be recovered? Those concerns are particularly relevant in rural areas, where the rate base is small and the resources to pursue enforcement, legal action and remedial works are already stretched. We must also be mindful of the impact on small, independent businesses. Many operate on tight margins, and unexpected repair bills, particularly for older buildings, could threaten their survival. What flexibility will be offered when it comes to compliance? Will there be phased timelines, and will financial support or grants be available for those businesses that are genuinely unable to meet the cost? We have heard that the long-term uplift in property values will offset the costs, but can that assumption really be applied across all areas, especially where demand is low and depopulation is a concern? We support the aim of creating safer, more vibrant built environments. That can happen only if those tasked with delivery of our council functions and those affected, including small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy, are properly supported. We need a fair, realistic and sustainable approach.

429 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:58 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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