AQO 9153/11-16

Mr Declan McAleer
Sinn Féin
West Tyrone

Tabled Date: 12/11/2015
Answered On Date: 17/12/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Social Development to outline his strategy to improve the condition of social housing in rural areas.

Answer:

I am committed to improving the condition of social housing throughout Northern Ireland, regardless of whether this is in a rural or urban setting. I am keen to see the number of new social homes continue to increase in rural areas and also to ensure that the necessary investment continues to be delivered in these areas. In terms of delivering new social homes housing activity in rural areas is identified by the Housing Executive through its Rural Action Plan, and is then delivered through the successful Social Housing Development Programme.

Analysis by the Housing Executive of the condition of its stock has suggested that there is no significant difference between the condition and investment requirements of rural and urban stock.

On the basis of the information collected during the DSD/ NIHE Asset Commission, the Housing Executive is currently planning its future investment activity. Delivery of the investment needed will require considerably increased resources to be available to the NIHE.

In the meantime necessary investment continues to be made, including in rural stock, through planned and response maintenance, and in line with the Interim Investment Plan.