Wilson meets Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has met representatives of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) to discuss issues facing the housing sector.

Among matters discussed was the level of funding for social housing.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: “The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations undertake valuable work in supporting and promoting the activities of Housing Associations across Northern Ireland. I took the opportunity of today’s meeting to put on record my ongoing support for the important work they do.

“We had a useful discussion on the importance of investing in social housing and I confirmed the Executive’s commitment to deliver 10,000 social and affordable housing units by 2013.

“This work is being underpinned by unprecedented levels of capital investment, with the Executive spending £1,700million in capital projects last year alone.”

The Minister assured NIFHA that, where additional resources become available during the course of the year, he would continue to view housing needs as a key priority.

The Minister continued: “In the last financial year, my predecessor Nigel Dodds was able to help support the social housing budget to the tune of over £50million through increases in allocation and in-year reallocations.

“Indeed, in the past month I prioritised social housing over other competing demands across Government by allocating a further £20million to the Department of Social Development to assist with the Disabled Adaptation Programme and Housing Renovations.

“These are clear indications of the importance the Executive attaches to the area of social housing.”

The Minister, however, cautioned that the Executive is operating in a constrained financial environment and calls for a further growth in funding could lead to reductions of funding to other key areas.

The Minister said: “I explained to NIFHA that, whilst I will continue to look for ways to support the social house building programme, the current economic environment means I do not have a pot of money from which to allocate additional funding.

“The Executive’s Budget has provided £925million across the three years to 2011 for housing and I will be working to ensure this money is used to best effect to help those people most in need of assistance.”

Notes to Editors:

Media enquiries to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.