Menu
22/11/2017
Homelessness In NI Increases 32% In 5 Years
Homelessness in Northern Ireland has risen by 32% in the past five years, according to a report.
The NI Audit Office's (NIAO) 'Homelessness In Northern Ireland' report also found that the government's strategy to tackle the issue had "limited success".
Almost 12,000 households were accepted as homeless in the past year.
The latest available figures also indicate that an average of six people sleep rough every night, however there are no official counts.
Head of the NIAO, Kieran Donnelly, said: "Contrary to popular belief homelessness is not restricted to people who sleep rough, it encompasses a much wider range of individuals in a variety of circumstances.
"The practice of allocating a high proportion of available social homes to those declared under the wide category of statutory homeless carries risks.
"It can create an incentive for households who desire, rather than need to move from one house to another, to declare themselves statutory homeless.
"The Housing Selection Scheme has been operating since 2000, with few changes, and it is widely accepted that the system could be open to abuse.
"A fundamental review of social housing allocations policy is long overdue and proposals are currently out for public consultation."
(CD)
The NI Audit Office's (NIAO) 'Homelessness In Northern Ireland' report also found that the government's strategy to tackle the issue had "limited success".
Almost 12,000 households were accepted as homeless in the past year.
The latest available figures also indicate that an average of six people sleep rough every night, however there are no official counts.
Head of the NIAO, Kieran Donnelly, said: "Contrary to popular belief homelessness is not restricted to people who sleep rough, it encompasses a much wider range of individuals in a variety of circumstances.
"The practice of allocating a high proportion of available social homes to those declared under the wide category of statutory homeless carries risks.
"It can create an incentive for households who desire, rather than need to move from one house to another, to declare themselves statutory homeless.
"The Housing Selection Scheme has been operating since 2000, with few changes, and it is widely accepted that the system could be open to abuse.
"A fundamental review of social housing allocations policy is long overdue and proposals are currently out for public consultation."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 November 2003
Figures show rise in Belfast homeless
Almost 23,000 people were classed as homeless in Northern Ireland last year, according to a leading charity. The Simon Community, which provides a service to homeless people in 18 locations across the province, said that there had also been a 13% rise in the numbers of homeless in Belfast.
Figures show rise in Belfast homeless
Almost 23,000 people were classed as homeless in Northern Ireland last year, according to a leading charity. The Simon Community, which provides a service to homeless people in 18 locations across the province, said that there had also been a 13% rise in the numbers of homeless in Belfast.
28 June 2023
Simon Community Welcomes Prince William's Homelessness Initiative
The Simon Community has welcomed a new homelessness initiative launched by the Prince of Wales.
Simon Community Welcomes Prince William's Homelessness Initiative
The Simon Community has welcomed a new homelessness initiative launched by the Prince of Wales.
04 November 2019
Shock As Vehicle Rammed On Homeless Charity Building
A building operated by a homeless charity in Belfast has been damaged by a vehicle rammed through its front. Police are seeking witnesses to the incident at the Welcome Organisation on Townsend Street at roughly 12.45am this morning, Monday 04 November. The centre provides life-saving services to the homeless population in Belfast.
Shock As Vehicle Rammed On Homeless Charity Building
A building operated by a homeless charity in Belfast has been damaged by a vehicle rammed through its front. Police are seeking witnesses to the incident at the Welcome Organisation on Townsend Street at roughly 12.45am this morning, Monday 04 November. The centre provides life-saving services to the homeless population in Belfast.
27 July 2021
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
Lessons Learnt During Pandemic Can Help End Homelessness
An Alliance MLA has called on Northern Ireland to learn lessons from the response to the pandemic to help end homelessness across the region. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong spoke highly of how agencies worked together to ensure anyone sleeping on the streets was provided with safe and secure accommodation during the first lockdown.
08 May 2014
Charity Urges Assembly Over Homelessness
Rising numbers of people in Northern Ireland could be left at risk of homelessness unless the Northern Ireland Assembly takes action, according research published today by homeless charity Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Charity Urges Assembly Over Homelessness
Rising numbers of people in Northern Ireland could be left at risk of homelessness unless the Northern Ireland Assembly takes action, according research published today by homeless charity Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
