Menu
28/08/2003
Homeless figures on the increase
The number of homeless families in Northern Ireland has risen by 16% in the last year, it was revealed today.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive said that almost 16,500 households had been presented as homeless. This figure is the equivalent to one in 50 households in Northern Ireland.
Expressing concern at the figures, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Michelle Gildernew said: "There can be no acceptable level of homelessness. The latest figures showing that the number of homeless cases here has risen by 16% are shocking. It is an indictment on the failure of the homelessness strategy to tackle the problem.
“We need more resources to meet the demand for emergency accommodation and support accommodation. However the problem runs far deeper. We need to address the entire housing policy.
“It is not enough for good words and paper policy initiatives. To help people avoid homelessness, to bring people out of homelessness and to continue to provide support for people escaping homelessness requires sustained action and political will.”
Today's figures also showed that more than 40% of those who approached the Housing Executive for new accommodation in the last year blamed domestic conflict for doing so.
Intimidation, meanwhile, accounted for 9% of applications.
(MB)
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive said that almost 16,500 households had been presented as homeless. This figure is the equivalent to one in 50 households in Northern Ireland.
Expressing concern at the figures, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Michelle Gildernew said: "There can be no acceptable level of homelessness. The latest figures showing that the number of homeless cases here has risen by 16% are shocking. It is an indictment on the failure of the homelessness strategy to tackle the problem.
“We need more resources to meet the demand for emergency accommodation and support accommodation. However the problem runs far deeper. We need to address the entire housing policy.
“It is not enough for good words and paper policy initiatives. To help people avoid homelessness, to bring people out of homelessness and to continue to provide support for people escaping homelessness requires sustained action and political will.”
Today's figures also showed that more than 40% of those who approached the Housing Executive for new accommodation in the last year blamed domestic conflict for doing so.
Intimidation, meanwhile, accounted for 9% of applications.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 August 2024
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
Frontline Housing Staff Praised For 'Courage And Commitment'
Frontline housing staff have been recognised for their "courage and commitment" in the light of a rise in hate crime attacks, by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Minister Lyons visited Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) staff in Antrim.
04 October 2024
Bookstart Baby Program Returns To Northern Ireland
Education Minister Paul Givan has expressed his support for the reintroduction of the Bookstart Baby program in Northern Ireland. This program aims to promote early intervention with families and encourage shared reading. The Bookstart Baby program provides packs to babies and young children, fostering a love of reading from a young age.
Bookstart Baby Program Returns To Northern Ireland
Education Minister Paul Givan has expressed his support for the reintroduction of the Bookstart Baby program in Northern Ireland. This program aims to promote early intervention with families and encourage shared reading. The Bookstart Baby program provides packs to babies and young children, fostering a love of reading from a young age.
04 July 2024
Voting Underway Across Northern Ireland
Poll are open across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide General Election. A total of 136 candidates are competing across 18 constituencies. 127 of the candidates represent 11 total political parties, with the other 9 standing as independents. Eligible voters can cast their vote until 10pm tonight.
Voting Underway Across Northern Ireland
Poll are open across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide General Election. A total of 136 candidates are competing across 18 constituencies. 127 of the candidates represent 11 total political parties, with the other 9 standing as independents. Eligible voters can cast their vote until 10pm tonight.
02 August 2024
Greens Welcome 'Transformative Vision' Of All-Island Rail Review
The Green Party NI has welcomed the publication of the final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
Greens Welcome 'Transformative Vision' Of All-Island Rail Review
The Green Party NI has welcomed the publication of the final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
11 July 2024
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
Northern Ireland Private Sector Ends Q2 In Strong Growth
The June report from the Ulster Bank Northern Ireland PMI Growth Tracker indicates that the Northern Ireland private sector concluded the second quarter of the year well within growth territory. New orders grew at the quickest rate since February 2022, leading to a significant increase in business activity.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Dry start on east coast otherwise cloudy with outbreaks of rain accompanied by strong southerly winds. Some heavy rain later, with some short lived very hevay squally bursts, then western and central areas turning clearer and less windy. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Remaining rain in east quickly clearing this evening then a dry evening and night with long clear periods and lighter winds. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
