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Record levels of housing stress in Northern Ireland
Housing stress levels among households in Northern Ireland have reached a record high, according to official statistics.
Figures released by the Department for Communities yesterday show the region had 23,694 households in housing stress in 2016/17 – defined as those with 30 or more social housing selection list points.
That represents a 20% rise over the past 10 years and an 82% rise since 2002/03.
There were 37,611 households on the social housing waiting list in 2016/17, with another 11,889 identified as homeless and qualifying for help from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).
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“The number of households in social housing need is at an all-time high. This indicates that housing affordability is becoming an increasing problem for many families on lower incomes,” said Nicola McCrudden, director of the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland.
“In the absence of devolved government is it vital that we get on with the job at hand – and that is increasing supply and providing more genuinely affordable options for housing.”
Housing associations made 1,604 social housing starts – a 2.3% increase from 1,568 in 2015/16.
Completions rose 14.7% to 1,387, up from 1,209 a year earlier.
Total starts across all housing types in the region climbed 10% to 7,727 – the highest level since 2010 – while completions rose 12% to 6,467.
Housing association rented homes make up 4% of the total stock, with NIHE homes accounting for another 13%.
The private rented sector constitutes 16%, with the remaining 66% owner-occupied.
Average social sector weekly rents are £75, compared to £94 in the private sector.
