23/10/2014

NI Housing Associations' Turnover Increases

Northern Ireland housing associations have significantly increased their turnover, according to new figures released.

PwC has compiled the sector's global accounts which was revealed today at an annual conference of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA).

The sector's financial position now provides a platform in working towards meeting the Programme for Government target of delivering 8,000 new social and affordable homes from 2011/15.

This year the target for new social home starts jumped from 1,275 to 2,000 – an increase of 64%.

Cameron Watt, Chief Executive of the NIFHA, said: "In the last year the housing association movement has delivered strongly for Northern Ireland, generating a rate of growth that is more than double that of our colleagues in Great Britain and achieving much more ambitious development targets.

"Housing associations are Northern Ireland's most successful profit-for-purpose organisations. Over £600m in low-cost private finance has now been raised by the sector, delivering twice as many new affordable homes than could be built with public funding alone.

"While the figures reflect the robust position and strong financial management of the sector, we are not complacent about the challenges ahead. Building on last year's successes, housing associations here are now working to deliver 64% more new homes this year."

(CD/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

16 December 2011
Social Housing Project Boosts Builders
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
04 May 2016
Fold And Helm Housing Associations To Merge
Two housing associations in Northern Ireland are to merge. The merger, between Helm and Fold Housing Associations, is subject to final approval in September 2016. The new organisation is expected to be in place by early 2017.
05 April 2013
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
07 July 2011
Builders Get Major House Building Boost
A substantial Co Antrim housing scheme has been launched this week proving much needed good news for the beleaguered construction sector. Stormont Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland has officially started the new £18.5m family housing development in Lisburn.
05 March 2010
Housing Association Achieves Excellence
One of Northern Ireland's largest housing associations has been presented with its Customer Service Excellence Standard. Helm Housing (previously BIH Housing) is the first housing association in Northern Ireland to achieve this accolade, which was presented by Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, (pictured, on site).