Accessibility Features
Accessibility | Skip to Start of Article | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation Menu | Skip to Themes | Skip to Regions | Skip to Members Sign InAccessibility Features
Accessibility | Skip to Start of Article | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation Menu | Skip to Themes | Skip to Regions | Skip to Members Sign In
As the new members of the NI Assembly take their seats in Stormont, the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) urges them to urgently examine the provision of social housing in Northern Ireland to help reduce the number of people currently in housing stress and on the housing list.
Housing Associations call on MLAs to examine how more Social Housing can be provided in NI effectively and efficiently.
In a recent letter to all MLAs, “Building Policy to Build Better Housing”, the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) pointed out a variety of measures which need to be taken to help housing association deliver high quality, sustainable, affordable and eco-friendly housing to those in need.
In the first instance, NIFHA asks Ministers and MLAs to examine the planning system to improve it to support the delivery of more social and affordable houses and reminds them that the planning system should also make full use of its existing powers to assist in the provision of social housing.
NIFHA points out the planning system can build on the foundation laid by the Regional Development Strategy by:
NIFHA’s Chief Executive, Chris Williamson, commented
"With 54% of those on the waiting list assessed as being in "housing stress" NIFHA believes it is imperative for Ministers and other MLAs to ensure all agencies work together to solve this serious social problem. As a priority, MLAs should insist officials devise a more integrated system which enables housing associations to buy surplus public sector sites at reasonable prices.
Secondly, stronger measures requiring private developers to include social or affordable housing amongst their development would be a very positive step forward. Pending additional legislation, useful results could be achieved if the Planning Service made more use of existing powers to help housing associations provide good quality, affordable rental accommodation for people in need."
Download NIFHA's recommendations
(54kb pdf)
NIFHA will be seeking an early meeting with the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, and the Minister for Regional Development. Conor Murphy, to discuss these challenges.
Housing Associations provide over 30,000 units of accommodation - a quarter all social rented housing in Northern Ireland. Since 1998 Housing Associations have provided virtually of all new social housing in Northern Ireland.
NIFHA is the umbrella organisation representing, supporting and promoting the activities of the 37 registered and 6 of the unregistered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland.
Footer
NICVA | 61 Duncairn Gardens | Belfast | BT15 2GB
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (No 1792) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue