HC Deb 20 November 2002 vol 394 c120W
17. Mr. Kidney

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what initiatives he intends to take to reduce the number of empty homes in England. [81557]

Mr. McNulty

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is taking forward the recommendations of the Select Committee on Empty Homes report of March 2002. We are working to provide local authorities with effective powers and guidance to enable them to reduce the number of long-term empty homes in England and maximise opportunities to convert commercial property.

Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what plans he has to update the Revised Guidance on Securing the Better Use of Empty Homes, issued in July 1999; [81938]

(2) what updates and revisions have been made to the Revised Guidance on Securing the Better Use of Empty Homes issued by the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in July 1999. [81695]

Mr. McNulty

We have not issued any updated material since the Revised Guidance was issued, but we plan to issue a new version early next year.