AQW 310/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 20/05/2022
Answered On Date: 01/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any cross-departmental work she has overseen with the Department for Infrastructure to ensure that the planning system addresses housing need.

Answer:

I recently met with the newly appointed Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd

My officials continue to engage with Department for Infrastructure colleagues to explore how to unlock and prioritise planning for sites in key areas of social housing need.

Alongside this I have led work to develop a fundamental Housing Supply Strategy which is aimed at identifying and unlocking major levers for increasing supply across all housing tenures.

I recognise that the planning system is one of those levers that can address our housing supply issues and my officials have been engaged with DfI officials throughout the Strategy development process.