To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will take steps to mark the National Week of Action on Empty Homes. (231893)

We shall continue to work closely with the independent Empty Homes Agency to encourage local authorities to tackle empty homes in their areas. We have introduced new powers to allow local authorities to take over the management of private sector empty homes (Empty Dwelling Management Orders) where a voluntary approach is not successful. We are supporting the Empty Homes Agency's new guidance on Empty Dwelling Management Orders, and Ministers will be providing a foreword to the guidance.