16 December 2002
BROWNE RE-AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HOUSING PROGRAMME
Des Browne, MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development today confirmed that housing remains a key priority for his department.
The Minister was responding to recent criticism by Mark Durkan about a shortfall in the number of new houses being built by local housing associations. Housing Associations are expected to start work on 1,200 new homes for rent in the current financial year against a target of 1,400.
The Minister said: "I share the concerns expressed about delays in the new house building programme and I have asked for my officials to take immediate steps to address these. My Department is working closely with the Housing Executive and Housing Associations to ensure that future targets are met.
"While there may be a slight fall off in the number of new homes being started there is no question of the housing budget not being spent in full. The problems have been caused by the increasing difficulty of acquiring sites, particularly in and around Belfast. There have also been problems in obtaining approvals in respect of planning, roads and water applications.
"Housing is an important part of our programme to tackle social need and promote social inclusion. Last week I announced an allocation of £283.8m for housing in 2003/04. When this is combined with the Housing Executive’s income this will provide a budget of £643m for housing in Northern Ireland."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Housing Associations are responsible for building social housing and the target for 2002/2003 was 1,400 but has been revised to 1,200.
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