The recently published Programme for Government (PfG) set out a commitment to have started construction on at least 5,850 new social homes by 2027.
Meeting that target would require the construction of over 2,000 new social homes each year.
At a meeting of the committee for communities in February 27 — the day the Executive approved the PfG — it was revealed the department would not meet that target under current allocations.
Outlining his department’s budget allocations today, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed that only 900 to 1,000 new social homes would be possible.
Mr Lyons said he was operating under “a continually strained budgetary environment” but added that he was “determined to use the money that has been secured to best effect.”
Addressing housing, the minister said addressing homelessness and increasing the supply of homes is “one of my top priorities.”
The DUP minister announced an additional allocation of £3.7m to the Homelessness and the Supporting People Programme.
Gordon Lyons
Capital funding of £2.8m for the New Foundation Project to deliver 110 accommodation units for young people leaving care was also announced.
But Mr Lyons acknowledged that more homes are needed.
“Social housing is crucial, as it provides affordable, stable housing options for those who might otherwise struggle in the private rental market,” he said.
“The inclusion of housing as one of the key pillars of the Programme for Government shows the widespread support to deliver affordable, sustainable and quality housing.
“My proposed budget of £63m will facilitate the start of approximately 900 to 1000 new build social homes.
“This is on top of the £105m for pre-commitments to housebuilding from last year.
“But this is not enough. This Assembly last year declared a housing crisis in Northern Ireland, yet we are left in a position to fund less than 50% of the Programme for Government housing target.”
Mr Lyons said that the allocation was an improvement on the previous year when only 400 new starts were initially projected.
However, after additional funding was unlocked just over 1,500 new homes were delivered.
My Lyons added: “We will put the same effort into driving us these figures this year as we did last year and will continue to make the case at every possible opportunity.
“However, it is not enough to simply ask for more money. We need to do things differently.
“That’s why I will be bringing proposals to the Executive shortly on how we can do more with the money we have to build more homes.”
Seamus Leheny, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, has called for “clarity and certainty” on how additional funding will be secured.
Seamus Leheny, NI Federation of Housing Associations
“Northern Ireland is in the grip of a deepening housing crisis,” Mr Leheny said.
“The social housing waiting list grows every year — yet once again, the budget for new social homes falls woefully short.
“It’s less than half of what’s needed to even begin reducing that list.”
Figures published last month show that 49,083 households in Northern Ireland are on the social housing waiting list.
Mr Leheny said that failing to deliver a minimum of 2,200 new homes “is simply failing the people who need the homes most.”
“We need clarity and certainty on how additional funding will be secured as soon as possible,” he added.
NI is in the grip of a “deepening housing crisis.” (Gareth Fuller/PA)
News Catch Up – Monday 2nd June
“While the Minister’s talk of new approaches is welcome, we need to see concrete plans now — not another year of delay.
“We can’t afford to be in the same position this time next year, still waiting for action, with uncertainty for social housing builders and a growing waiting list.”