Minister pledges to cut waiting lists for housing in Derry

Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie MLA today told the Assembly of her intention to boost the supply of social housing and reduce the number of people on the waiting list.

Speaking on the subject of homelessness in the Foyle constituency, the Minister said: "I am impressed by the good work being done on the ground in Derry to tackle homelessness and other housing issues. When I visited Derry City in August I visited the Strand Road Foyer which addresses the needs of young homeless people in the 16-25 age group. I also visited the Seven Oaks Project which caters for people at the other end of the age scale suffering from dementia. I found the commitment of staff at both facilities inspirational and humbling.

"I am pleased to say that, in the past two years, the Housing Executive has invested £28.15million on existing housing in the Derry City Council area on improvements, maintenance and private sector grants. This year we intend to spend a further £12.5million. However, there is no doubt that more housing is needed.

"The Housing Executive recently carried out a Housing Needs Assessment for the Derry City Council area and it is clear that 1,054 new units of social housing would be required to meet housing need up to the year 2011.

"There are 846 new homes planned for the City already and the Housing Executive is working closely with local housing associations to identify other sites to meet the shortfall in the development programme. Successful delivery depends on securing land, planning permission, and, of course, funding.

"The Housing Executive remains confident that sufficient land can be identified to deliver what is needed to meet the housing needs of the City. The question of funding is challenging but I am looking urgently at ways of improving the funding situation for housing in all parts of Northern Ireland. I hope to receive further assurances that receipts from land sales can be retained by my Department and used to build more homes. My Executive colleagues have also agreed that social housing should be given top priority for funding whenever assets such as land holdings are released by government departments.

"With the support of the Executive and this Assembly I am confident we can find a way to cut the waiting lists and improve the quality of life for those who need it most."

Notes to Editors:

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