NI landlords calls for broader housing measures

On Friday, the Executive published a draft programme for government, which has gone out to consultation.

The programme pledges to “improve the supply of suitable housing”, which will be measured by looking at “the number of households in housing stress”. Official statistics show more than 22,000 households were in housing stress – those considered in most housing need – in 2014/15.

It did not, however, publish a specific figure for the number of homes to be built over the coming years.

Cameron Watt, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA), said: “The suggested measure [for improving the supply of suitable housing] is simply the housing stress figure, which is those in greatest need on the social housing waiting list.

“Although we would agree housing stress figures are a vital measure… it’s only one of a number and we will be calling for a broader number of measures to assess whether the full range of housing is delivered as it should. That would include the number of homes being built as well as a reduction in the waiting list figures.”

He also urged the draft programme to make explicit commitments to the funding of Supporting People.

NIFHA led a demonstration last month outside the programme for government talks in favour of a 10% increase in Supporting People funding, following a nine-year freeze on project funding.

Paul Givan, a Democratic Unionist, has been appointed minister for communities, heading the department with oversight of housing.

The DUP advocated the break-up of the 88,000-home Northern Ireland Housing Executive in it manifesto, however the policy is likely to prove contentious with its power sharing colleagues Sinn Féin.

The Northern Ireland Executive has been contacted for comment.