Housing Associations Debate the Future of the Sector

NIFHA
13 August 2009 - 10:12am
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Tagged as:

• business sustainability
• CIH
• housing
• Housing and homelessness
• Housing Associations
• Investment
• NIFHA
• Finance
• Funding
• Policy

Issues for discussion include the future role of the sector in meeting housing need, how to ensure long term and sustained investment for social housing, and opportunities for the sector to grow in the future. 

The Commission, which was launched in April of this year, is examining a long term vision for the whole housing system in Northern Ireland.  As part of its work, Commission members have met organisations representing each of the housing tenures.  Housing associations are considered central to housing provision in the future. 

Grainia Long, Principal Advisor to the Commission, said, 'this meeting is critical for the Commission, as the role played by housing associations in meeting housing need is central to the well being of communities over the long term.  The vision for housing in Northern Ireland will have housing associations at its heart.  It will be informed by the views of housing professionals working with association tenants across Northern Ireland'. 

Chris Williamson, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA), commented, 'We're delighted the Commission recognises the important contribution our members make to Northern Ireland.  Their input extends across a range of areas including economic, social, educational and health.  I'm sure the Commission will help us to 'think outside the box' and formulate effective solutions for ten years and beyond."

Ends

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact Grainia Long on 078 2598 1880

About CIH:

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people involved in housing and communities.  We are a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation.  We have a diverse and growing membership of over 22,000 - both in the public and private sectors - living and working in over 20 countries on five continents across the world.  Our members work for local authorities, housing associations, Arms Length Management Organisations, Government bodies, educational establishments and the private sector.  Many tenants and residents are also members.  We exist to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities.  Further information is available at: www.cih.org

About NIFHA:

• The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) is the umbrella organisation which promotes, supports and represents registered and non-registered housing associations in Northern Ireland.
• A housing association is a voluntary organisation dedicated to helping people obtain decent, affordable accommodation which meets their needs
• Collectively our members manage over 30,000 units of accommodation. This equates to a quarter all social housing in NI
• Since 1998 housing associations have provided virtually of all new social housing in NI
• For further information on NIFHA contact: Chris Williamson M: 078 6646 6119 / T: 028 9023 0446 E: cwilliamson@nifha.org.

To keep up-to-date with the work of the Commission and its meetings visit www.nihousingcommission.cih.co.uk