Minister promises 'rolling programme' of housing laws

The Social Development Minister, whilst visiting the landmark 17,000th home to have been bought through the Co-Ownership initiative, has pledged to begin what he has described as a "rolling programme of housing legislation" over the next few years.

Speaking during a visit to the house of Judith Casey in the Cregagh area of Belfast, the Minister said: “I am acutely aware of the financial mountain which first-time buyers have to climb these days as property prices continue to rise in Northern Ireland. The Co-Ownership Scheme is an excellent way of making it easier for people to take that first step on the housing ladder.

“One of my priorities, as Minister with responsibility for housing, is to address the affordability issue."

The Co-Ownership Scheme, which is funded by the Department for Social Development and managed by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association, provides those on low incomes the opportunity to purchase a home on an equity-sharing basis. They can later purchase the ‘remainder’ of the house when their circumstances permit.

Mr Dodds said housing is one of his top priorities and will bring forward two pieces of housing legislation to the assembly this term.

SDLP assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Tommy Gallagher said that current housing legislation is too rigid for many people and said that the Housing Bill, which is at the committee stage at the moment, ought to reflect the need for greater flexibility and responsibility among prospective homeowners.

"I will be seeking to include measures within the Bill to deal adequately with tenants who engage in anti-social behaviour in both public housing and privately owned accommodation," he said.

"For people in rural areas, present housing leglisation is far too inflexible and restrictive. This is illustrated by the 389 housing Closing Orders that have been served in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. I believe we need to have the policy of issuing Closing Orders on properties in rural areas discontinued. I will submitting a paper to the committee on this issue."

(GMcG)