Spellar Invites Comment On Transfer Of Social Housing Programme To Housing Executive

4 March 2005
SPELLAR INVITES COMMENT ON TRANSFER OF SOCIAL HOUSING PROGRAMME TO HOUSING EXECUTIVE
Proposals to transfer management of the Social Housing Development Programme from the Department for Social Development to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive were announced today by the Minister for Social Development, John Spellar, MP.
The suggested changes to existing laws and procedures will be subject to a comprehensive public consultation. Details of the proposed changes are published in a document called ‘Consultation on the Proposed Transfer of Management of the Social Housing Development Programme to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.’ The main proposals deal with the formulation of the development programme, scheme approval and payment of Housing Association Grant.
The Minister said: "The delivery of the Social Housing Development Programme in Northern Ireland is a high priority for Government. The proposed changes are designed to enable the Department to concentrate on the development of strategies, policies and legislation to improve housing across Northern Ireland.
"We also want to provide greater public transparency and accountability by separating operational and strategic responsibilities. This will allow the Housing Executive and Registered Housing Associations to focus on the business of delivering social houses for those in need. The proposals build on the excellent partnership that the Housing Executive and the Housing Associations have developed.
"The consultation document looks at the existing system for managing the Social Housing Development Programme and outlines proposals for changes that might be introduced to ensure the production of an even more effective and cohesive Development Programme to meet housing need."
Comments are sought from a wide range of interests within the private and voluntary sectors and from the public at large. The closing date for comments is 31 May 2005. Comments and requests for copies of the consultation document should be sent to:
Housing Policy Branch
Department for Social Development
Andras House
Belfast BT2 2BB
Tel (028) 9091 0020; Fax (028) 9091 0084; Text Phone (028) 9082 9446
E-mail: catherine.martin@dsdni.gov.uk
Website: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk

Click here to print this press release.