While my Department is responsible for urban regeneration, I understand the issues faced by our rural communities. I come from a rural community, and I represent one. My predecessor, Paul Givan, when he was Communities Minister, indicated that he wanted to extend the Department's scheme to regenerate public spaces to small towns and villages. We hoped to have a phased approach, beginning with settlements of over 2,500 persons and working closely with councils and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. However, that was dependent on the resources being made available. No further funds were found to take that forward. Since then, particularly in response to COVID-19, my Department has led on the COVID-19 recovery, revitalisation and small settlements programmes in partnership with DFI and DAERA. The cross-departmental nature of those regeneration activities has been clearly demonstrated, which has confirmed the need for the Executive to take them forward.