Northern Ireland

Stormont must 'prioritise preventing homelessness'

Figures show 42,000 families are waiting for social housing
Figures show 42,000 families are waiting for social housing Figures show 42,000 families are waiting for social housing

STORMONT needs to "prioritise preventing homelessness", the chair of a new cross-party group has warned as figures show 42,000 families are waiting for social housing.

The All-Party Group on Homelessness will hold evidence sessions with Executive Departments, public bodies, the homeless and those working with them "to hear more about the reality of homelessness".

It comes ahead of a new homelessness strategy for 2022-2027 being developed by the Housing Executive.

Chair Paula Bradley acknowledged "homelessness can have a devastating impact on the lives of individuals and families who experience it".

"Both the Assembly and the Executive need to prioritise preventing homelessness and it is my belief that this group will help raise awareness of homelessness here and drive forward much needed positive change."

She said the new Housing Executive strategy could "provide a transformational opportunity for change which will benefit the lives of some of the most vulnerable people who live here".

Vice-chair Karen Mullan said co-operation between parties is essential.

"With the social housing waiting list currently standing at over 42,000 households and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to be felt the formation of this all-party group is especially timely.

"Politicians from across this society need to work constructively together to develop a legislative and policy framework which will prevent individuals and families from ever having to experience homelessness and to assist those who sadly lose their homes.

"This group provides a valuable opportunity to discuss what change we need to do to see more houses built, to reduce the social housing waiting list and to develop services which support individuals and families who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness."

It has been welcomed by Nicola McCrudden of the Council of the Homeless Northern Ireland, which provides the secretariat to the new group.

"We believe this group will provide an invaluable forum for assembly members to engage with the homelessness sector and service users.

"It is our hope that the (group) will serve as a forum to explore the reality of homelessness on the ground and to seek policy solutions which will help support individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness."

Other members of the group are Andy Allen, Kellie Armstrong, Robbie Butler, Pam Cameron, Pat Catney, Mark H Durkan, Alex Easton, Fra McCann and Rachel Woods.