Menu
20/03/2012
Action To be Taken On Empty Homes
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has given the go ahead for a pilot project to target empty homes across Northern Ireland.
The Minister said: "The wastefulness of empty homes is an issue I hear raised time and time again. I recognise the opportunity to bring these homes back to use both in terms of providing housing, enhancing neighbourhoods and removing magnets for anti-social behaviour and sources of blight.
"This pilot exercise will help to investigate the possibilities and test the merits and effectiveness of various approaches. It will examine what is available in terms of advice and signposting to practical help such as grants and loans, and what enforcement powers exist."
The pilot areas are Fortwilliam and Upper Newtownards Road in Belfast. Work will be carried out by the Housing Executive with the relevant interventions identified by April 2012, and any necessary actions planned. The results will be used to inform a new empty homes action plan for Northern Ireland.
The Minister concluded: "I am determined to maximise all opportunities to meet housing need, reduce blight and tackle anti social behaviour and I will soon be announcing a new strategy for housing which will set out how we move forward to meet the needs of a 21st century population."
(LB)
The Minister said: "The wastefulness of empty homes is an issue I hear raised time and time again. I recognise the opportunity to bring these homes back to use both in terms of providing housing, enhancing neighbourhoods and removing magnets for anti-social behaviour and sources of blight.
"This pilot exercise will help to investigate the possibilities and test the merits and effectiveness of various approaches. It will examine what is available in terms of advice and signposting to practical help such as grants and loans, and what enforcement powers exist."
The pilot areas are Fortwilliam and Upper Newtownards Road in Belfast. Work will be carried out by the Housing Executive with the relevant interventions identified by April 2012, and any necessary actions planned. The results will be used to inform a new empty homes action plan for Northern Ireland.
The Minister concluded: "I am determined to maximise all opportunities to meet housing need, reduce blight and tackle anti social behaviour and I will soon be announcing a new strategy for housing which will set out how we move forward to meet the needs of a 21st century population."
(LB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
05 September 2008
Further Housing Association Commitment To First-Time Buyer Scheme
The Government's latest first-time buyers scheme has been given a further boost with the announcement that the North and West Housing Association has committed £4m to the money pot. This comes hot on the heels of the NI Housing Minister's announcement earlier this week of an affordable housing scheme in Portadown.
Further Housing Association Commitment To First-Time Buyer Scheme
The Government's latest first-time buyers scheme has been given a further boost with the announcement that the North and West Housing Association has committed £4m to the money pot. This comes hot on the heels of the NI Housing Minister's announcement earlier this week of an affordable housing scheme in Portadown.
05 September 2013
Minister Launches Plan To Tackle Empty Homes
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has launched his plan to tackle the blight of empty homes. The new Empty Homes Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2018, part of the Minister's recently announced Housing Strategy 'Facing the Future', will help bring empty homes across Northern Ireland back into use.
Minister Launches Plan To Tackle Empty Homes
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has launched his plan to tackle the blight of empty homes. The new Empty Homes Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2018, part of the Minister's recently announced Housing Strategy 'Facing the Future', will help bring empty homes across Northern Ireland back into use.
16 December 2011
Social Housing Project Boosts Builders
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
Social Housing Project Boosts Builders
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
29 June 2010
Unused Homes 'Due Rates' In 2011
Empty homes will be liable to the same rates as occupied homes from 1 October next year - with this change set to raise £10m revenue a year. NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has announced the news after receiving full Executive, Department of Finance & Personnel Committee and cross party support in the Assembly.
Unused Homes 'Due Rates' In 2011
Empty homes will be liable to the same rates as occupied homes from 1 October next year - with this change set to raise £10m revenue a year. NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has announced the news after receiving full Executive, Department of Finance & Personnel Committee and cross party support in the Assembly.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
