Under the Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, there is a massive sixty three per cent shortfall in the capital needed to tackle social housing here. Presently, it may mean that no social housing starts will take place next year. The Minister is determined to explore every avenue to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Speaking in advance of her meeting with Housing Minister Yvette Cooper, and her fact finding trip Margaret Ritchie said:
“I am determined to champion the cause for the vulnerable, elderly and those in poverty in our society. There is a massive shortfall in what I have been allocated in the present draft Investment Strategy to meet housing need. We desperately need an injection of capital into social and affordable housing. I will leave no stone unturned in my search for solutions.
“I am very keen therefore to hear how the British Government plans to deliver on its recent pledge to provide three million more social and affordable homes in England by 2020. During this visit I hope to identify opportunities that will complement the work I have already set in train, such as my own Affordability Review Group and Panel of Experts that I established to consider the recommendations contained in Sir John Semple’s recent report.”
The Minister will meet Yvette Cooper MP as part of a visit to London where she will meet a number of key stakeholders and academics with a strong background in housing matters. The Minister will finish her programme on Wednesday morning with visits to two housing schemes in East and West London. The scheme in Tarling, East London will highlight the positive role that housing can play in the regeneration of local communities and the second scheme in Shepherds Bush, West London, will address high density living for families in larger homes in a prime location.
Margaret Ritchie concluded: “It is clear that Northern Ireland is not unique in struggling to meet the challenge created by the housing boom. Indeed we are relative newcomers to the problem when compared against other regions elsewhere and we can learn from their experience.”
Notes to Editors:
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