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27 April 2006

HANSON INVITES COMMENT ON HOUSING LAW PROPOSALS

Proposals to change the way the Social Housing Development Programme is managed were announced today.

Social Development Minister David Hanson launched a public consultation exercise to seek views on proposed changes to the existing law and procedures. This follows on from public consultation on the proposed policy in May 2005.

The main proposal in the consultation document is to transfer responsibility for the management of the Social Housing Development Programme from the Department for Social Development to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The Minister said: "The delivery of the Social Housing Development Programme in Northern Ireland remains a high priority for Government. This proposal will enable the Department to concentrate attention on the development of strategies, policies and legislation to improve housing in Northern Ireland."

The Minister continued: "The proposed changes are designed to provide greater public transparency and accountability by separating operational and strategic responsibilities. This will allow the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Registered Housing Associations to focus on the delivery of new social homes and to build on the excellent partnership the NIHE and RHA's have developed under the existing arrangements for delivery of the development programme."

The closing date for receipt of comments is 21 July 2006.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The document is called Consultation on the Housing (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

  2. Comments are being sought from a wide range of interests, both within the private and voluntary sectors and from the public at large. Copies of the draft Order can be downloaded from the Department's website at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/current_consultations.htm.

  3. Comments and requests for a copy of the document should be sent to:

    Alison Hanna
    Housing Division
    Level 2 James House
    Gasworks Business Park
    2-4 Cromac Avenue
    Belfast
    BT7 2JA
    Telephone 028 90819485
    Fax 028 90819589

    Or alternatively by e-mailing housing.policy@dsdni.gov.uk

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