18/06/2003

New grant aid to target unfit housing

The Housing Executive today published proposals for the most radical shake-up in public grants for over a decade.

Last year over 10,000 grants were approved at a cost of £40 millions. However, latest figures show 28,000 privately owned homes in the province are also unfit and need such aid.

The new scheme has four main objectives for private sector accommodation:
  • to reduce unfitness
  • to prevent properties from becoming unfit by tackling disrepair
  • to enable vulnerable people to live safely in accommodation suitable to their needs
  • to support urban and rural regeneration strategies in line with Government’s new Targeting Social Need
Commenting on the move, Dr John McPeake the Housing Executive’s Design and Property Services Director said: “These proposals will allow the Housing Executive to take a more strategic approach to tackling housing conditions in the private sector than is possible under the current scheme. They will also be vital in supporting the delivery of local housing plans and strategies.

"I expect the new grants scheme to do two things. It will ensure we continue to improve housing conditions in the private sector and support urban and rural regeneration; and it will help those in the private sector to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, especially older people and people with disabilities.”

The new scheme, which is expected to be introduced in December, follows the Housing (NI) Order in February. The proposals recognise the need to tackle more effectively the pockets of urban and rural unfitness across Northern Ireland.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
28 March 2022
Housing Payments Changed To Support Private Tenants
Changes to housing payments have been announced to provide additional support for private tenants facing a shortfall in their rent and the housing support they currently receive.
01 March 2024
HMRC Uncovers New Complex Tax Avoidance Scheme
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has uncovered a complex tax avoidance scheme that moves income offshore. The scheme – linked to businessman Darren Patrick-Green – involves contractors joining Singapore registered Procorre LLP to avoid paying Income Tax and National Insurance.
16 December 2011
Social Housing Project Boosts Builders
There was a pre-Christmas boost on housing this week with the keys being handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments to date.
14 December 2009
Brewery To Become New Homes
A new £25m housing scheme has been approved for the old Bass Brewery in west Belfast. Some 166 new homes will be built in what is being billed as one of the largest social housing schemes undertaken in Northern Ireland. It will also create much needed employment - with some 200 on-site jobs boosting the beleaguered construction industry.