28 February 2003

NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING REFORM ORDER BECOMES LAW

The first new primary legislation on social housing in Northern Ireland for more than ten years has become law, after receiving Royal Assent at the Privy Council.

The Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 was passed by the Houses of Commons and Lords at Westminster earlier this month. It takes forward matters contained in the Housing Bill that had reached Committee Stage when the Assembly was suspended.

A wide range of measures, contained in the 149 clauses and five schedules, will be implemented progressively over the next year.

These address issues such as dealing with anti-social behaviour in housing estates; grants to improve the standard of private sector housing; the provision of caravan sites for Travellers and a registration scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation such as those often occupied by students..

Commenting on the Order, Des Browne MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development said: "This wide-ranging Order will strengthen the current legislation and provide powers to deal more effectively with issues that have been causing concern for some time.

"It is a complex piece of legislation which will modernise housing legislation in Northern Ireland. Its many provisions will be introduced progressively over the next year by means of commencement orders.

"The Order will provide a strong foundation on which future legislation can build."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Order and its Explanatory Memorandum are available on the Department of Social Development’s website at www.dsdni.gov.uk

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