AQW 20411/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 13/01/2025
Answered On Date: 16/01/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, following his announcement on 2 December 2024, to detail (i) what the specific funding allocation for homelessness prevention will fund in the 2025-26 financial year; (ii) whether the funding allocation includes the restoration of the Homelessness Prevention Fund previously funded by the Housing Executive; and (ii) any consultation his Department proposes to carry out with representatives of the sector on funding for the homelessness sector in 2025-26.

Answer:

My Department does not directly fund homelessness, this is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.

The Finance Minister has issued an Executive Paper for consideration outlining Departments’ proposed Draft Budget Allocations for 2025-26. This budget is currently subject to consultation.

My Department has just commenced work on internal budget allocations. Therefore, at this stage I am unable to advise the Housing Executive of its Homelessness budget allocation for 2025-26.

My Department will continue to engage closely with the Housing Executive on their 2025-26 Budget requirements.