Support the EDM - shared room rate

This reform, if it passes, would see single people under 35 offered the shared room rate of Housing Benefit rather than that of a self-contained dwelling.  Many fear the change will force young people into involuntary sharing of accommodation which can lead to tensions and housing management difficulties.  The changes mean fewer properties would be available for which full rent can be covered by housing benefit. 

Tenants who are in private sector accommodation would have to make up the shortfall in their rent themselves consequently households may face debt and homelessness if they could not make up the shortfall from a low wage or welfare benefits. As a result there is likely to be an increase in the number presenting as homeless. 

NIFHA’s Chief Executive, Chris Williamson, commented:

“Currently the stock of affordable homes for social rent is insufficient to meet need; the prevailing climate of austerity means resources are unlikely to be available to meet current projected need never mind a potential increase.  This is why we have contacted all MPs in Northern Ireland and asked them to sign Steve Gilbert’s petition to have this reform debated in Parliament as an Early Day Motion.” 

Ends

Further Information

Chris Williamson
Chief Executive

T: 028 9023 0446   

Notes

• The Early Day Motion 2317 may be viewed at: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2317.
• The regulations change the definition of a ‘young person’ for Housing Benefit purposes, from the age of 25 to 35.
• Approximately 5,000 individuals living in single occupancy accommodation in Northern Ireland will be affected.
• Estimated average reduction in weekly benefit award £24.50.
• The Northern Ireland Assembly debated a prayer of annulment on the Housing Benefit (Amendment No2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2011 on 10 October 2011.  This motion was defeated by 34 to 55 votes.
• NIFHA supports the principle that ‘work should always pay’ compared to relying on state benefits and recognises the need for reform of the benefits system.  However, we believe the Bill as it currently stands will cut great holes in the safety net of millions of people in the UK and will force many of the most vulnerable people in Northern Ireland into serious hardship

About NIFHA and our members

• NIFHA represents, promotes and supports housing associations in Northern Ireland.
• There are 31 registered Housing Associations in NI, all of which are members of NIFHA and a further six non registered associations are also members.
• Housing associations manage nearly 36,000 units of accommodation - over a quarter of all social housing in NI.
• Since 1998 housing associations have provided virtually all new social housing in NI.
• In the financial year 2010-11 housing associations achieved a record 2,418 starts. 
• Collectively, since 1991 housing associations have taken out over £626.2million of private finance to assist with social house building. 
• 21,000 households in NI have been assisted with purchasing their own homes through Co-ownership. In the financial year 2010-11 Co-ownership had 492 in contract to purchase and 121 homes where clients stair-cased to full ownership