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Northern Ireland social housing grant ‘not enough’, says minister
Northern Ireland’s new minister for housing has said the amount of grant available for social housebuilding in the region this year “is not enough”.
Writing in the Belfast Telegraph last week, Deirdre Hargey promised that public housing “will be a priority” for Stormont’s fledgling government.
In the absence of ministers during a three-year political deadlock, housing associations were allocated £146m to build new social homes in 2019/20, with a target to make 1,850 starts.
The Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) allocation for 2020/21 has not yet been announced.
Ms Hargey said: “In the coming period I will set out my vision for the future of public housing provision using a rights-based approach. Objective need will be at the core of all decision-making.
“This year £146m is being invested to start 1,850 social homes to reduce housing waiting lists. I am aware this is not enough, and I’m committed to building more homes.”
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The Northern Ireland Executive has promised to introduce legislation extending bedroom tax mitigation payments and preventing housing associations’ debt from being moved to the public balance sheet.
Ms Hargey also pledged to “develop a cross-cutting anti-poverty strategy” and revealed plans to bring forward regulations to continue other welfare reform mitigation payments for households affected by the benefit cap.
“I see my absolute priority as communities minister to challenge Tory austerity, to stand up for the poorest and most disadvantaged and target resources on the basis of objective need,” she added.
In 2018/19, 1,786 homes were started through the SHDP – missing the 1,850 target, which had been reduced from 2,000 because of Northern Ireland’s lack of a government at the time.
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland’s Department for Communities told Inside Housing: “Housing is a key focus for minister Hargey. She is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to a good quality, affordable and sustainable home.
“The minister welcomes the priority given to housing in [government strategy] New Decade, New Approach, which sets out how the Executive will enhance investment and agree a new target for social and affordable home starts.
“In her first few weeks, the minister has been engaging with officials on housing issues and is committed to ensuring the targeting of resources for those most in need and embedding a human rights-based approach in policies and services.
“The minister will outline her approach to this key policy issue in the time ahead.”
Inside Housing Development Summit 2020
Inside Housing is pleased to join forces with Homes England and the LGA to introduce the Inside Housing Development Summit.
Taking place on 27-28 April 2020, the summit will gather together local authorities, housing associations, developers, fund managers and advisors for a Chatham House style event focussed on making new connections and exploring new delivery models.
The summit will take place over 28 hours, starting with an afternoon plenary on 27 April, an exclusive development site study tour to Northstowe, England's largest new town since Milton Keynes, followed by a business dinner.
The second day will provide opportunities to network with a range of senior Homes England and LGA staff including Nick Walkley, chief executive of Homes England and Mark Lloyd, chief executive of LGA.
You’ll also meet with leaders from across the development ecosystem and take part in group discussions to help you connect and explore new opportunities. All accommodation and meals will be provided within the fee.
Places for each stakeholder group are limited to ensure a balanced mix of participants and to make sure you leave with the relationships and leads you need.
Click here to book your place or for more information
