To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what changes she is making to the requirement for local authorities to have a register of empty homes returned to use. (176196)

There is no statutory requirement on local authorities to hold a register of empty homes returned to use. However, local authorities are expected to take measures to reduce the number of homes that are left empty for long periods of time as part of their strategic housing role. Local authorities may therefore choose to keep information about empty homes in their area in the form of a register if this helps to facilitate their strategic approach.