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NI social landlords move to emergency-only repairs in bid to slow virus spread

Social landlords in Northern Ireland are curbing routine repairs amid the coronavirus outbreak.

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NI social landlords move to emergency-only repairs in bid to slow COVID-19 spread #ukhousing

Social landlords in Northern Ireland are curbing routine repairs amid the coronavirus outbreak #ukhousing

“Housing associations across Northern Ireland are focused on delivering core services for tenants in these challenging and rapidly changing circumstances,” says @bjacollins #ukhousing

Three of the region’s four largest housing associations, as well as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), are limiting repairs to emergency and essential jobs only.

Radius Housing, which owns around 13,000 homes, said its decision to switch to focus on urgent repairs was based on government calls for social distancing in a bid to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

The NIHE, which owns the bulk of Northern Ireland’s social housing stock with around 84,000 homes, also said last week that it would start carrying out repairs only where there is a risk to life or property “in keeping with the government’s advice on social distancing”.

Meanwhile, 6,000-home Apex Housing and 5,000-home Clanmil Housing Group have limited internal repairs to emergency-only jobs because of restrictions imposed by contractors, with external repairs continuing as normal.

“We will be minimising face-to-face contact as much as possible to ensure the safety of our team, tenants, residents and contractors,” a spokesperson for Clanmil said.


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Choice Housing, which owns around 10,000 homes, is telling its contractors if a household is self-isolating when reporting repairs, and contractors are carrying out risk assessments before attending jobs.

Ben Collins, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, said: “Housing associations across Northern Ireland are focused on delivering core services for tenants in these challenging and rapidly changing circumstances.

“This includes ensuring that emergency repairs continue to be carried out where possible.

“Our sector is also using a range of technologies to maintain contact with tenants while people are self-isolating or working from home, due to COVID-19.”

The NIHE and Choice both promised to take a “sensitive approach” to people struggling to pay their rent as a result of the pandemic.

A spokesperson for Apex said: “Any tenant who is experiencing difficulties in paying their rent will be supported by their housing officer, who will work with them to provide advice and agree an affordable repayment plan over the coming period.”

Clanmil is asking worried tenants to contact its money advice team, which it has expanded in response to a “high volume of enquiries”.

People in a “crisis situation” are able to apply for financial help through Northern Ireland’s Department of Communities’ Finance Support service.

Northern Ireland recorded its second coronavirus-related death on Monday, with 128 confirmed cases at the latest count.

The region’s government has promised to introduce measures to support vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis, including homeless people.

Communities minister Deirdre Hargey has released £200,000 for a Coronavirus Community Fund to support community organisations helping older people during the crisis.

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