AQW 41083/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 20/02/2026
Answered On Date: 05/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any ways his Department’s housing policy is adapting to demographic change, including an ageing population.

Answer:

The Executive Housing Supply Strategy which I published in 2024 recognises the changing age profile of our population and includes a long-term policy commitment to support the delivery of a more diverse range of housing options across all tenures, which meet housing needs and considers demographic change and an ageing population. Delivery will be through a series of action plans.

The Department is currently providing , £8 million in Financial Transactions Capital (FTC) funding to Co-Ownership, to operate its Co-Own for Over 55s pilot which was designed in response to our ageing population, providing an innovative housing solution for older people, supporting them to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. With Co-Own for Over 55s, Co-Ownership can help homeowners aged 55 or over to purchase a home that is right for them as they age.

In addition, work on bringing forward a new Active Ageing Strategy Action Plan is continuing at pace. This work is considering a range of issues, including housing, that have been identified by stakeholders as impacting on the ageing population.