AQO 168/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 29/02/2024
Answered On Date: 12/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the delivery of the Interdepartmental Homelessness Action Plan.

Answer:

Homelessness is more than a housing issue. Issues such as addictions, poor mental health or discharge from an institution can underlie a lot of homelessness.

The Interdepartmental Homelessness Action Plan focuses on addressing gaps in non-accommodation services which have the potential to improve the lives and life chances of people who are experiencing homelessness and those who are most at risk of homelessness.

The Fourth Plan was published on 21 September 2023.

A total of 13 actions have been identified for the Departments for Communities, Health, Justice (DoJ) and Education (DE) with my Department having lead responsibility for four actions.

My Department and the Homelessness Strategy Steering Group monitor the implementation of the actions.

My Department will again liaise with the Responsible Owners and produce and publish a Report in the Summer. This Report will reflect whether each Action ultimately met its milestone or expected outcome.

I would like to thank the other Departments for their commitment to this inter-departmental work.