NIFHA warmly welcomes publication of housing strategy

Facing the Future sets out how the Department for Social Development intends to fulfil its three main roles in relation to housing over the next the five years: helping to create the right conditions for a stable and sustainable housing market that supports economic growth and prosperity; providing support for individuals and families to access housing, particularly the most vulnerable in society; and setting minimum standards for the quality of new and existing homes and for how rented housing is managed. The strategy also envisages housing playing a fourth role in driving regeneration within communities, particularly those suffering from blight and population decline.

In response to publication, Cameron Watt, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, said:

‘NIFHA congratulates the Minister on the launch of Northern Ireland’s first housing strategy.

We warmly welcome its release which can help maximise housing’s vital role in meeting key government objectives, from job creation to improving public health and building a shared future.

House-building is now widely recognised as highly effective in stimulating economic growth due to its localised supply chain.

Housing associations already successfully raise hundreds of millions of pounds for building, so we hope to work with the Minister on new ways to privately finance the 11,000 new homes Northern Ireland needs each year.

Housing associations already successfully raise hundreds of millions of pounds for building, so we hope to work with the Minister on new ways to privately finance the 11,000 new homes Northern Ireland needs each year. 

The creation of a Housing Supply Forum can help unblock land supply and other barriers to get Northern Ireland building.

We also welcome the empty homes initiative, the fundamental review of how social housing is allocated and action to tackle anti-social behaviour.

NIFHA and our members will be playing a full role in the public consultation launched today, ahead of publication of the finalised strategy and action plan in early 2013.’

Ends

For all media queries or interviews, please contact Stephen McGrath on 028 9034 7310 or mobile 079 8947 5561 or email [email protected]

The consultation document "Facing the Future" can be downloaded at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/housing-strategy-consultation.htm