Northern Ireland

Housing Executive considering transfer of 2,000 homes

Derry's Bogside. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Derry's Bogside. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Derry's Bogside. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

The Housing Executive has confirmed it is considering transferring up to 2,000 properties across the north to housing associations.

The body was responding to claims that ownership of up to 225 houses in the Derry's Bogside is to be transferred.

Independent councillor Gary Donnelly said there are similar plans for houses at Mourneview in Newry and in Belfast.

He suggested the move could lead to increased rents and job losses within the Housing Executive.

“This is part of plans to abolish the Housing Executive by stealth and will have a detrimental effort on working class areas," he claimed.

“Trade unions and all political parties should oppose what is essentially the privatisation of public assets.”

A spokeswoman for the Executive said the “stock transfer programme” was limited to 2,000 properties and was requested as part of the Housing Strategy for Northern Ireland.

“The purpose of the Housing Executive’s proposed transfer of stock to housing association ownership is to secure the investment required to improve properties that otherwise might not be available."

The spokeswoman added that the move was still at proposal stage and ultimately it would be tenants who would decide if their homes could be transferred.

“Housing associations will be invited to submit bids as part of a competitive process for each estate proposed. Consultation with those tenants affected will commence shortly,” she said.

Housing associations are 'social businesses' run on a not-for-profit basis and are responsible for building most of Northern Ireland's social housing.