Proposals for moving delivery of physical regeneration projects in Northern Ireland from the Department for Social Development to local government are included in its new Regeneration and Housing Bill, a draft of which has been published for comment.
Launching the Bill, social development minister Margaret Ritchie said she wanted it to strengthen local government.
Three DSD functions would be devolved including neighbourhood renewal, operational delivery of town and city physical regeneration projects including comprehensive redevelopment, public realm and environmental improvement and community development.
"The draft Regeneration and Housing Bill will allow for the transfer of a range of regeneration and housing functions from my Department to local government control and will extend and complement existing Council services," said Ms Ritchie.
"I am keen to hear from a wide range of stakeholders and members of the public and would encourage people to read the detail of the legislation and share their views."
Four functions would also be devolved from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive including houses in multiple occupation, unfitness, living-over-the shop and energy conservation.
Comments are required by 26 April.
