Cobain backs Simon Community’s call for ‘Joined Up’ Thinking on Homelessness
Ulster Unionist Social Development Spokesperson Fred Cobain has welcomed the publication today of the Simon Community’s report which calls for an increase in the construction of affordable and social housing.
In a statement, Mr Cobain said: “The message from the Simon Community is that there must be a ‘joined up’ approach to addressing this issue.
“I agree – because there are ongoing problems in the formation of strategy. Policy options continue to be held up.
“For example, the Promoting Social Inclusion strategy document ‘Addressing the Causes and Effects of Homelessness’ was published on 4 November 2004. Yet the department is still in the process of consulting with various groups and finalising conclusions.
“Consultations are usually 12 weeks long. Yet this one has lasted 21 months. Why the hold up? When exactly will this strategy see the light of day?”
He added: “According to the Simon Community, just 651 of 15,768 new houses built in the year ending March 2005 were social rented housing.
“Yet DSD Housing Statistics reveal that 29,819 households are on Housing Executive waiting lists. And last year 17,362 households presented as homeless to the NIHE.
“Surely this underlines the need to develop affordable housing for low-income families.
“The selling price for NHBC registered homes at the end last year stood at £142,000, and almost a third of homes sold for over £150,000 – which is a 22% increase over the year.
“While the housing market here has clearly benefitted some, spiralling house prices and a lack of affordable and social housing is causing massive problems.
“The government recently looked at co-ownership provision. Whilst welcome, this doesn’t go to the heart of the problem. The Housing Executive and associated social partners do what they can – but what about the Housing Associations? What about the policy makers? What about funding provision?
“The Simon Community’s report is a welcome addition to the debate and must be taken seriously by policy makers.”