AQW 1551/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/06/2022
Answered On Date: 23/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 671/22-27, to outline the options she has to improve housing provision in the absence of an official Housing Supply Strategy.

Answer:

I have and will continue to take measures to improve housing provision.

I have secured investment of almost £380 million to deliver new social housing starts in the past two years. Indeed, the 2021/22 budget expenditure of £171.8m represented the highest level of Social Housing Development Programme related investment activity since the Housing Executive took on responsibility for managing its delivery in 2007.

I have provided £158m to Co-Ownership to help those who wish to own their own home and have progressed work to deliver new affordable housing options, such as, intermediate rent.

I have also taken action to increase the safety and security of the Private Rented sector, including by progressing legislation through the Assembly.

Despite the continued absence of a functioning Executive and agreed Executive budget, all options will continue to be explored.