To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist local authorities to bring empty local authority housing stock back into use.

The Empty Homes Initiative (EHI) provided funding of almost £24 million to help local authorities establish appropriate strategies and best practice, as well as bringing empty homes back into use. An evaluation report and research into case studies confirmed that the EHI made a positive contribution to addressing the problem of empty houses.

Local authorities will now determine through their Local Housing Strategies the extent of the problem in their area and develop strategies for tackling the issue.