Ritchie addresses the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today delivered the keynote presentation to the annual conference of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association in Fermanagh.

The minister informed delegates that her priority is to increase the supply of housing, and that, in her first year as Housing Minister, she had been able to achieve her goal and that she intends to continue to do so.

The minister said: “In my first year 1,595 new homes were started, nearly 600 above the projection, and I know the targets to deliver a further 5,250 new homes over the next 3 years are challenging but they must be delivered. We face some real pressures but with determination and creativity we can succeed. Together we can deliver these homes to those who need them most and we must not forget that whilst these are targets and numbers, this is ultimately about delivering for people – our people.”

The theme for the conference was “Making the Connections”, and the minister spoke about the connections in the New Housing Agenda that ensures everyone has access to a decent warm affordable home.

The minister added: “I think the theme for today’s event, ‘Making the Connections’, sits well within the context of the New Housing Agenda, as there are several key components within it that connect together to ultimately ensure that everyone should have the opportunity to live in a decent, warm home that is affordable to them.”

The minister also went on to announce a number of measures that would assist Housing Associations in delivering more social and affordable housing at lower unit cost.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations is the umbrella organisation representing, supporting and promoting the activities of 33 registered and 7 non-registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland. Membership is not restricted to associations registered with the department. Unregistered associations may affiliate and other bodies or individuals may also be granted membership.
2. The conference was held in Fermanagh on 13 and 14 November 2008 and was attended by around 200 delegates from Housing Associations, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Northern Ireland Housing Council and the Department for Social Development.
3. For further information, contact Joe Livingston on 07920 187938 or the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.