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CIH launches review of Northern Irish housing policy
The Chartered Institute of Housing has launched a new project to help “shape the future” of housing policy in Northern Ireland.
The review – which launches today – will engage with tenants, the general public, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, housing associations and politicians to explore the big questions around social housing.
It will combine people’s views with original research to consider the future role and purpose of social housing.
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The project coincides with a similar review being run by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in England. It will be chaired by Will Haire, chair of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, who spent 35 years as a civil servant in Northern Ireland.
Nicola McCrudden, director of CIH Northern Ireland, said: “Social housing plays a vital function by providing low-cost rented homes for low-income families on a secure basis. Broadly speaking, the way we approach social housing in Northern Ireland has not changed much over the past couple of decades.
“In Britain welfare reform and government funding pressures have had profound impacts on social housing, particularly in England. The tragedy at Grenfell Tower has placed social housing firmly in the public consciousness and has led to widespread debate on its role and purpose in today’s society.”
Mr Haire said: “Social housing is core to enabling people to live decent lives. Better understanding its nature and role is an important debate we need to have here.
“This project is an opportunity for people with an interest in social housing to have their say. We want as many individuals and organisations as possible to take part. Giving a voice to tenants and the public will be central.”
The results of the project are set to be published in a report in July, which will include recommendations to the social housing sector and the government.
It comes as Northern Irish housing associations have warned of “unprecedented risk” to the sector due to the threat of direct rule.
The steering group for the project includes:
- Department for Communities
- Choice Housing
- Clanmil Housing
- Radius Housing
- Triangle Housing
- Council for the Homeless
- Department for Infrastructure
- Department of Health
- Equality Commission
- Housing Rights
- Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
- Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations
- Northern Ireland Housing Executive
- Paddy Gray, professor emeritus of housing at Ulster University
- Strategic Investment Board
- Supporting Communities
