New grant aid to target unfit housing

The Housing Executive today published proposals for the most radical shake-up in public grants for over a decade.

Last year over 10,000 grants were approved at a cost of £40 millions. However, latest figures show 28,000 privately owned homes in the province are also unfit and need such aid.

The new scheme has four main objectives for private sector accommodation:

• to reduce unfitness
• to prevent properties from becoming unfit by tackling disrepair
• to enable vulnerable people to live safely in accommodation suitable to their needs
• to support urban and rural regeneration strategies in line with Government’s new Targeting Social Need

Commenting on the move, Dr John McPeake the Housing Executive’s Design and Property Services Director said: “These proposals will allow the Housing Executive to take a more strategic approach to tackling housing conditions in the private sector than is possible under the current scheme. They will also be vital in supporting the delivery of local housing plans and strategies.

"I expect the new grants scheme to do two things. It will ensure we continue to improve housing conditions in the private sector and support urban and rural regeneration; and it will help those in the private sector to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, especially older people and people with disabilities.”

The new scheme, which is expected to be introduced in December, follows the Housing (NI) Order in February. The proposals recognise the need to tackle more effectively the pockets of urban and rural unfitness across Northern Ireland.

(MB)