27/11/2025
Minister Launches Consultation On New Decent Homes Standard
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has today launched a major public consultation on a revised Decent Homes Standard, aimed at significantly improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of social homes in Northern Ireland. This marks the first comprehensive review of the standard in two decades.
The Decent Homes Standard is the guiding principle for how the Housing Executive and registered Housing Associations improve, maintain, and repair all existing social homes.
Speaking about the launch, Minister Lyons said: “I am committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of families and individuals living in social homes across Northern Ireland. This review will update the housing standard to meet the needs of modern living."
The consultation outlines a wide range of proposals designed to improve the condition, safety, and affordability of homes, with a significant focus on energy efficiency.
The key principles guiding the review include:
• Improving the overall condition of social homes.
• Focusing on tenant well-being and comfort.
• Addressing energy efficiency and the path towards achieving net zero emissions.
• Delivering homes that are better suited to modern living requirements.
Minister Lyons encouraged broad participation, stating: “The consultation sets out a range of proposals to improve the condition, energy efficiency, affordability and safety of homes. I encourage everyone with an interest in social housing, including tenants, landlords and representative groups, to share their views and help shape the future of homes across Northern Ireland.”
Updated standards resulting from this consultation are expected to contribute directly to strategic objectives outlined in the Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy and the forthcoming strategy on fuel poverty, helping to deliver good quality, warm, affordable, and sustainable homes.
The consultation is open to the public now and will run until 4 March 2026. Responses from social housing tenants, social landlords, and sectoral bodies are particularly welcomed.
The Decent Homes Standard is the guiding principle for how the Housing Executive and registered Housing Associations improve, maintain, and repair all existing social homes.
Speaking about the launch, Minister Lyons said: “I am committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of families and individuals living in social homes across Northern Ireland. This review will update the housing standard to meet the needs of modern living."
The consultation outlines a wide range of proposals designed to improve the condition, safety, and affordability of homes, with a significant focus on energy efficiency.
The key principles guiding the review include:
• Improving the overall condition of social homes.
• Addressing energy efficiency and the path towards achieving net zero emissions.
• Delivering homes that are better suited to modern living requirements.
Minister Lyons encouraged broad participation, stating: “The consultation sets out a range of proposals to improve the condition, energy efficiency, affordability and safety of homes. I encourage everyone with an interest in social housing, including tenants, landlords and representative groups, to share their views and help shape the future of homes across Northern Ireland.”
Updated standards resulting from this consultation are expected to contribute directly to strategic objectives outlined in the Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy and the forthcoming strategy on fuel poverty, helping to deliver good quality, warm, affordable, and sustainable homes.
The consultation is open to the public now and will run until 4 March 2026. Responses from social housing tenants, social landlords, and sectoral bodies are particularly welcomed.
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27 October 2025
Communities Minister Outlines Plans To Boost Social Housing Delivery
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a series of changes aimed at increasing the delivery of new social homes across Northern Ireland, including an update to the grant amount housing associations will receive for new construction starts.
Communities Minister Outlines Plans To Boost Social Housing Delivery
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a series of changes aimed at increasing the delivery of new social homes across Northern Ireland, including an update to the grant amount housing associations will receive for new construction starts.
17 May 2018
Hundreds Of New Homes To Be Developed In Co Down
Approximately 50 construction jobs are to be created as part of a £50million project to develop 900 new homes in Comber, Co Down. Northern Ireland homebuilders Hagan Homes has started construction work on the first phase of the 'Enler Village' site on the Newtownards Road, which includes the development of 17 new homes.
Hundreds Of New Homes To Be Developed In Co Down
Approximately 50 construction jobs are to be created as part of a £50million project to develop 900 new homes in Comber, Co Down. Northern Ireland homebuilders Hagan Homes has started construction work on the first phase of the 'Enler Village' site on the Newtownards Road, which includes the development of 17 new homes.
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.
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.
20 September 2007
Minister Visits Dungannon 'Warm Homes Scheme'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has visited a number of Department supported projects in Dungannon. Following a visit to EAGA, the company that manages the Department for Social Development’s Warm Homes Scheme, the Minister visited Dungannon West Renewal's development at Ballysaggart Business Park.
Minister Visits Dungannon 'Warm Homes Scheme'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has visited a number of Department supported projects in Dungannon. Following a visit to EAGA, the company that manages the Department for Social Development’s Warm Homes Scheme, the Minister visited Dungannon West Renewal's development at Ballysaggart Business Park.
02 December 2002
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
Claimants warned to apply early for winter fuel payments
The government has warned people who believe are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments to contact the government's helpline to ensure they can benefit from the scheme. Anyone reaching age 60 or over during the week 16-22 September 2002 will usually be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payments of £200.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.