Menu
03/09/2002
Minister promises 'rolling programme' of housing laws
The Social Development Minister, whilst visiting the landmark 17,000th home to have been bought through the Co-Ownership initiative, has pledged to begin what he has described as a "rolling programme of housing legislation" over the next few years.
Speaking during a visit to the house of Judith Casey in the Cregagh area of Belfast, the Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the financial mountain which first-time buyers have to climb these days as property prices continue to rise in Northern Ireland. The Co-Ownership Scheme is an excellent way of making it easier for people to take that first step on the housing ladder.
“One of my priorities, as Minister with responsibility for housing, is to address the affordability issue."
The Co-Ownership Scheme, which is funded by the Department for Social Development and managed by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association, provides those on low incomes the opportunity to purchase a home on an equity-sharing basis. They can later purchase the ‘remainder’ of the house when their circumstances permit.
Mr Dodds said housing is one of his top priorities and will bring forward two pieces of housing legislation to the assembly this term.
SDLP assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Tommy Gallagher said that current housing legislation is too rigid for many people and said that the Housing Bill, which is at the committee stage at the moment, ought to reflect the need for greater flexibility and responsibility among prospective homeowners.
"I will be seeking to include measures within the Bill to deal adequately with tenants who engage in anti-social behaviour in both public housing and privately owned accommodation," he said.
"For people in rural areas, present housing leglisation is far too inflexible and restrictive. This is illustrated by the 389 housing Closing Orders that have been served in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. I believe we need to have the policy of issuing Closing Orders on properties in rural areas discontinued. I will submitting a paper to the committee on this issue."
(GMcG)
Speaking during a visit to the house of Judith Casey in the Cregagh area of Belfast, the Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the financial mountain which first-time buyers have to climb these days as property prices continue to rise in Northern Ireland. The Co-Ownership Scheme is an excellent way of making it easier for people to take that first step on the housing ladder.
“One of my priorities, as Minister with responsibility for housing, is to address the affordability issue."
The Co-Ownership Scheme, which is funded by the Department for Social Development and managed by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association, provides those on low incomes the opportunity to purchase a home on an equity-sharing basis. They can later purchase the ‘remainder’ of the house when their circumstances permit.
Mr Dodds said housing is one of his top priorities and will bring forward two pieces of housing legislation to the assembly this term.
SDLP assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Tommy Gallagher said that current housing legislation is too rigid for many people and said that the Housing Bill, which is at the committee stage at the moment, ought to reflect the need for greater flexibility and responsibility among prospective homeowners.
"I will be seeking to include measures within the Bill to deal adequately with tenants who engage in anti-social behaviour in both public housing and privately owned accommodation," he said.
"For people in rural areas, present housing leglisation is far too inflexible and restrictive. This is illustrated by the 389 housing Closing Orders that have been served in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. I believe we need to have the policy of issuing Closing Orders on properties in rural areas discontinued. I will submitting a paper to the committee on this issue."
(GMcG)
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.
03 November 2020
Communities Minister Pledges To Revitalise The Housing Executive
NI Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has pledged to revitalise the Housing Executive. In a wide ranging statement to the Assembly she set out her plans to address the significant challenges facing Northern Ireland's housing system. Over the last 18 years successive Executives have invested £2.3billion to build 30,000 new social houses.
Communities Minister Pledges To Revitalise The Housing Executive
NI Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has pledged to revitalise the Housing Executive. In a wide ranging statement to the Assembly she set out her plans to address the significant challenges facing Northern Ireland's housing system. Over the last 18 years successive Executives have invested £2.3billion to build 30,000 new social houses.
19 August 2024
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
28 March 2022
Housing Payments Changed To Support Private Tenants
Changes to housing payments have been announced to provide additional support for private tenants facing a shortfall in their rent and the housing support they currently receive.
Housing Payments Changed To Support Private Tenants
Changes to housing payments have been announced to provide additional support for private tenants facing a shortfall in their rent and the housing support they currently receive.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
