The Dilapidation Bill aims to confer functions on district councils to provide them with a modern, fit for purpose regime to tackle dilapidated and dangerous buildings and sites, including a series of notices, offences, penalties and appeals.

It will also significantly enhance the cost recovery powers available to councils, making the option of them carrying out the relevant works themselves much more viable.

Agriculture, environment and rural affairs minister Andrew Muir said: “We can all see the problems with dilapidated buildings and neglected sites across Northern Ireland, which are a blight on our neighbourhoods that can pose an unacceptable danger to the public.

“People should be able to take pride in their local area, but when buildings are left to deteriorate, it is the entire community that suffers the consequences.

“The Dilapidation Bill will seek to address this problem, ensuring local people can live and work in attractive neighbourhoods and benefit from the associated investment in an area that can come as a result.”

He added: “The bill would empower councils to issue a range of enforcement notices to require owners, occupiers and others with a relevant interest to take appropriate remedial action to deal with dilapidation and neglect.

“It also allows councils to take such action itself, where required, and recover its costs from the relevant person.”

The bill is set to be introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly before the summer recess.