Social and affordable housing still on target - Dodds

Finance Minister Nigel Dodds will tell the Northern Ireland Housing Council later today that despite the recent shortfall in house and land receipts, the delivery of 10,000 social and affordable housing units by 2013 is still on course.

Mr Dodds is meeting with the Housing Council to look at the impact the downturn in the housing market has had on the social economy, construction industry and supply chain.

Mr Dodds said: “Social housing continues to be a priority for the Executive and for me personally. Whilst our resources are finite and there are many competing demands, we are still on course to deliver the Public Service Agreement (PSA) target of 10,000 social and affordable units by 2013.”

Mr Dodds will also comment on the issue of funding available to the housing sector in the current economic climate.

“The reduction in available funding has been a consequence of the wider economic climate and the loss of significant income from the sale of houses and land.

“My department is committed to continuing to work with the Department for Social Development as it develops options to address its shortfall in receipts from sales.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Housing Council was set up by statute in 1971 at the same time as the Housing Executive to provide a channel of communication between the Housing Executive and local District Councils. The Housing Council consists of 26 members (one from each District Council) with membership counting as part of the councillors’ normal duties. Three members of the NIHE Board are also members of the Housing Council.
2. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7278 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.