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05/07/2007
Affordable housing report to be ‘taken forward’
The first meeting of the Inter-Departmental Affordability Implementation Group has been held today.
The meeting, held by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie is set up to consider the Semple recommendations in greater detail. It will also focus early attention on those that can be taken forward as soon as possible.
The Minister said: “I want to make progress as quickly as we can – with all departments working together. Making houses affordable will not be easy. In fact it is a massive challenge and progress will not come overnight. It will be determined and co-ordinated action and proper funding – but by working together we can achieve a lot.
“I have already taken action on several fronts. In particular I have asked the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to produce an empty homes strategy and to report to me by the end of the summer.”
Ms Ritchie has also asked that they cost the options for bringing empty homes back into use.
She added: “To help build new social houses I also have written to Ministers asking them to identify any suitable surplus land holdings within their Departments, as well as auditing all the lands held by my own Department.
“I want to drive forward Semple’s implementation and am determined to make a difference, working together with my Executive colleagues.”
(JM)
The meeting, held by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie is set up to consider the Semple recommendations in greater detail. It will also focus early attention on those that can be taken forward as soon as possible.
The Minister said: “I want to make progress as quickly as we can – with all departments working together. Making houses affordable will not be easy. In fact it is a massive challenge and progress will not come overnight. It will be determined and co-ordinated action and proper funding – but by working together we can achieve a lot.
“I have already taken action on several fronts. In particular I have asked the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to produce an empty homes strategy and to report to me by the end of the summer.”
Ms Ritchie has also asked that they cost the options for bringing empty homes back into use.
She added: “To help build new social houses I also have written to Ministers asking them to identify any suitable surplus land holdings within their Departments, as well as auditing all the lands held by my own Department.
“I want to drive forward Semple’s implementation and am determined to make a difference, working together with my Executive colleagues.”
(JM)
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