Exclusive: Creating 'Future Fit' Housing

In an exclusive article for the construction magazine, Keystone - out today - and reproduced here for www.4ni.co.uk, Nelson McCausland, the Stormont Housing Minister, said the effective use of the budget available is of major importance. The DUP politician also revealed that a root-and-branch review of the role of the NI Housing Executive is underway.

The Minister said: "Much of the work of the Department for Social Development (DSD) is focused on our most disadvantaged citizens, families and communities, through social security, child maintenance, providing social housing, addressing homelessness and supporting our poorest communities through neighbourhood renewal.

"DSD has a huge impact on people's lives, delivering a budget of almost £6 billion a year through 7,900 staff.

"The Department has an impact on every residential area, community, village and town across Northern Ireland," he said, adding that housing plays a key part in our every day responsibilities to the community.

"I believe it is a fundamental right of every citizen to be able to access warm, good quality and affordable housing," he continued.

"With recent increases in energy costs, the issue of fuel poverty has been in the headlines. I welcome a recent research report from the University of Ulster, which will help us better target resources in this area.

"Since becoming DSD Minister I have visited a number of housing schemes in Belfast, Londonderry and Lisburn to see conditions for myself," he added.

"In Northern Ireland we have some of the highest quality housing in these islands. This has been made possible because of the high levels of investment in social housing by government through the Housing Executive and Housing Associations," the Minister added, noting that the private sector has also benefited through the grants scheme operated by the NI Housing Executive.

"I do, however recognise that more needs to be done on a number of fronts."

Acknowledging the recession, he said: "As we are in a completely changed economic environment compared to just a couple of years ago it is timely to consider how we can deliver housing fit for the future.

"How do we get the overall housing market moving effectively to see how the private rental, affordable and social housing sectors can best develop?

"How can we deliver a social housing programme that makes the best use of the public and private sectors and maximises income to deliver that housing from the private sector?

"What is the future role and direction of the NI Housing Executive and housing associations in delivering social housing?" he asked.

To answer these questions, a fundamental review of the Housing Executive by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), is underway, the Minister revealed.

"Following receipt of their report I have asked PwC to engage directly with key stakeholders and present a final report for my consideration. I will publish this when received."

Minister McCausland said that a number of other housing related issues, such as empty homes and dealing with fuel poverty are priorities: "These cross Departmental boundaries [and] I will work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken," he said.

"As our population continues to grow, demand for social housing is likely to increase until the economic situation improves.

"It is imperative that our budgets are used to maximum advantage for our community and I will do all I can in coming years to ensure housing receives the appropriate levels of priority to meet the challenges ahead," the Stormont Executive Minister concluded.

(BMcC/CD)