Ritchie launches consultation to shake up housing laws

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie has launched a public consultation on new Housing legislation in Belfast today.

The consultation document sets out plans for cutting the fuel bills of social housing tenants, offering greater choice to homeless households, improving regulation of the

private rented sector and new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “The proposals represent another important step in delivering the new Housing Agenda. I have achieved many

successes so far. Despite very difficult financial circumstances, I am on course to build more social housing than at any time over the last decade, increase the

number of sites for Shared Future housing, deliver targeted investment to tackle fuel poverty and improve access to public services for homeless people.”

“Many of these successes have been achieved using the existing body of housing law. However, even more can be done by changing the law in key areas. For

example, my proposals on fuel poverty would provide the Housing Executive and housing associations with new powers to broker energy at a discounted price for

their tenants. This could lead to falling fuel bills for many of the poorest families and, at a time of volatile energy prices, make a real difference to the lives of some of

our most vulnerable citizens.”

The Minister concluded: “These are important and ambitious proposals and I would encourage as many stakeholders and members of the public as possible to

contribute their views”.

The consultation period on proposals for a new Housing Bill will last until 26 February 2010. A copy of the proposals and means of responding can be found on the

Department for Social Development website http://www.dsdni.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

1. The proposals for a new Housing Bill are available on the consultation zone of the DSD web-site: www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/consultations
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 02890 829 078 or Fearghal O’Reilly on 07920 832 279. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.