Minister promises to tackle housing difficulties

Tackling difficulties in the housing market will be the top priority for Margaret Ritchie, the new Minister for Social Development.

During a visit to a new housing development which is transforming the lower Ormeau Road in Belfast the Minister promised to do all that she can to make decent homes more available and affordable.

Minister Ritchie commented:

“I know that young people are finding it harder than ever to find a house. Private housing is getting ever more expensive. And waiting lists for public housing are long.

“This is a huge challenge, and one that I am determined to tackle.

“I know there are no easy answers and that hard work and co-operation will be required across a number of Government Departments, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Housing Associations. We will also need to work closely with private house builders to help find a solution. I am concerned about the difficulties that people are experiencing in renting and buying houses and I want to quickly establish what I can do to make houses more affordable.

"That’s why at the top of my desk is the Semple review into affordable housing. I am looking urgently at all its recommendations and want to take this work forward quickly. This is my number one priority”.

Commending the development at the former North Rugby and Cricket Ground which is being built by Clanmil Housing Association with funding from DSD, the Minister added:

“These houses, which are being built to a very high standard, show what can be achieved when the local community and elected representatives work in partnership, in this case with Clanmil, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department for Social Development.

"I hope that the scheme, together with the road junction improvements that are being carried out at the moment, will help stimulate the regeneration of this area. I wish Clanmil every success and I look forward to the day in the not too distant future when the first tenants move in”.

Recognising the work being done in the housing sector, Ms Ritchie said: “This is the first housing scheme I have visited since becoming Minister. I know from personal experience there is much excellent work being done by the Housing Executive and Housing Associations and I look forward to visiting other developments in the months ahead”.

Referring to the regeneration responsibilities of her Department, she concluded: “My Department has already been active in regenerating this area and through a public/private investment of £1.4m has helped preserve a very fine listed building on the front of the Ormeau Road which provides office space and jobs. This housing scheme will help complement this work and bring new life and renewed confidence to this part of Belfast.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The development at the former North Rugby and Cricket Ground is being built in three phases and when completed will contain 184 homes. They are being constructed to high standards of energy efficiency and security and to Lifetime Home Standards. Phases 1 and 2 are under construction and the first homes are due to be handed over in the summer.
2. Clanmil Housing is one of 36 registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland. Established in 1977, it has completed some 1550 homes with the assistance of Housing Association Grant from the Department for Social Development.
3. Media enquiries only to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497.