26/08/2022
Ministers Urged To Convene Summit On Housing Crisis
The Ulster Unionist Party has called on the Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey and Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd to convene a summit to address the housing crisis in Northern Ireland.
Making the call, East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Earlier this year the Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey announced her commitment to build 100,000 new homes in the next 15 years. To see that only 835 new social homes were completed in the last year is beyond disappointing.
"With the largest recorded rise in rental costs for private rental properties announced for Northern Ireland last month, added to the pressures already faced by almost 50,000 households living on social housing waiting lists, with little prospect of being housed under the current system, it is simply unacceptable for the department to deliver such a small number of social homes.
"The minister must make it clear how she intends to meet her own targets, which many across the housing and community sectors feel are below what is needed to address the growing housing crisis.
"To date, the leadership required to deliver an adequate level of housing to meet growing need has been lacking. I would again call on the housing and infrastructure ministers to convene a summit to address this housing crisis."
Making the call, East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Earlier this year the Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey announced her commitment to build 100,000 new homes in the next 15 years. To see that only 835 new social homes were completed in the last year is beyond disappointing.
"With the largest recorded rise in rental costs for private rental properties announced for Northern Ireland last month, added to the pressures already faced by almost 50,000 households living on social housing waiting lists, with little prospect of being housed under the current system, it is simply unacceptable for the department to deliver such a small number of social homes.
"The minister must make it clear how she intends to meet her own targets, which many across the housing and community sectors feel are below what is needed to address the growing housing crisis.
"To date, the leadership required to deliver an adequate level of housing to meet growing need has been lacking. I would again call on the housing and infrastructure ministers to convene a summit to address this housing crisis."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
22 March 2024
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
11 February 2022
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
16 February 2022
Housing Executive Confirms Rent Freeze
Housing Executive rents are to be frozen to support residents amid the cost-of-living crisis, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced. Announcing the move, the minister said: "As Communities Minister my priority is to support people, particularly the most vulnerable, who are facing soaring fuel and household bills.
Housing Executive Confirms Rent Freeze
Housing Executive rents are to be frozen to support residents amid the cost-of-living crisis, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced. Announcing the move, the minister said: "As Communities Minister my priority is to support people, particularly the most vulnerable, who are facing soaring fuel and household bills.