NIHE unveiled radical plans to tackle homelessness

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has unveiled far-reaching plans to tackle the rising problem of homelessness in the province.

According to a review carried out by the Housing Executive, almost 13,000 people registering as homeless in Northern Ireland last year. The review concluded that the usual ways for tackling homelessness are "no longer enough".

Paddy McIntyre, chief executive of the Housing Executive, told a Stormont assembly inquiry into homelessness on Thursday February 21 "we must do more and we must do it differently".

Last year, a total of 12,694 people presented themselves as homeless to the Housing Executive, with almost 10,000 being accepted.

Direct costs to the Housing Executive were approximately £17 million last year with £3 million additional funding obtained by voluntary groups.

Mr McIntyre said the review's recommendations for overhauling the current system fell under three main headings: prevention of homelessness, the unsuitability of temporary accommodation and the need to increase permanent housing for the long term homeless.

These recommendations by the Housing Executive would mean in real terms the reduction of bed and breakfast use by 50 per cent combined with the creation of 250 temporary housing units. The review would also to see the creation of 180 new units for permanent homeless.

Mr McIntyre said: "The Review proposes new ways of developing and providing a range of services required to tackle homelessness. These present new challenges for Government agencies and the voluntary sector.

"It is imperative that increased priority is given to homelessness and that adequate funding is allocated to bring about the changes needed. It is the Housing Executive's duty to ensure that help is available to those faced with the crisis of homelessness."

(AMcE)