NIFHA Press Room
Valuable help for social housing
Tuesday 22 January 2008
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Finance & Personnel of additional funding for social housing.NIFHA’s Chief Executive, Chris Williamson commented: “We are delighted the government has recognised the serious crisis which was facing social housing provision. Most importantly people in serious ‘housing need’ will be helped with these additional funds.”
He went on to comment: “This funding is welcome news for housing associations, however, we are under no illusions this is a challenging settlement. We are clear this is just the beginning and much more work is needed to ensure the annual targets, set by government, for new starts will be met.”
In the coming days NIFHA will be examining the Minister’s announcement closely to establish its practical implications for housing associations. We are clear on the positive effects good quality affordable housing has on society. Decent housing contributes to good health and well-being, improved educational attainment and more community pride and self confidence. All of these benefits will underpin the NI Executive’s desire for increased economic prosperity and sustainability for Northern Ireland.
Ends
For further information contact:
Chris Williamson, Chief Executive
M: 078 6646 6119 T: 028 9023 0446 E: cwilliamson@nifha.org.
About NIFHA
- NIFHA is the umbrella organisation promoting, representing and supporting the activities of the 36 registered and 7 of the non-registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland
- Registered housing associations provide over 30,000 units of accommodation - a quarter all social rented housing in NI
- Since 1998 registered Housing Associations have provided virtually of all new social housing in NI
- The private finance registered Housing Associations attracted between 1996 and 2006 resulted in an additional 4,500 homes for social accommodation
- Co-Ownership Housing has helped almost 19,000 households to purchase their own homes since its inception
- 1991-2006 registered housing associations levered £180 million private capital into social housing
