Minister launches inter-departmental affordability implementation group

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie held the first meeting today of the Inter-Departmental Affordability Implementation Group which is taking forward the Semple report into Affordable Housing.

The group was set up to consider the Semple recommendations in greater detail and 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 take 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. I have also asked that they cost the options for bringing empty homes back into use. 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.”

She added, “I want to drive forward Semple’s implementation and am determined to make a difference, working together with my Executive colleagues.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.