NIFHA Press Room
We are family?
Tuesday 26 February 2008
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) broadly welcomes Minister Ritche’s announcements on housing. As part of the ‘housing family’ to which the Minister referred, housing associations will play a central role in the delivery of good quality affordable housing for Northern Ireland.NIFHA’s Chief Executive, Chris Williamson commented “Our housing associations are looking forward to working with the Minister, her officials in DSD, the NIHE and the private sector. We want to deliver on the proposals and maximise efficiency.” He went on, however, to add a note of caution: “As part of the ‘housing family’ we need to be engaged by the Minister and her officials in the discussions of the practical details. To date we have been kept on the periphery.”
The Federation is concerned by the Minister’s belief that grant rates to housing associations can be cut by 10 per cent from April 08 without materially affecting the affordability of rents. We also question her confidence that the proposed 10 per cent savings on efficiency can be delivered quickly. Evidence from Britain suggests the opposite; there are no short-term savings. Indeed the costs of setting up procurement groups far out weigh short-term economies. Savings may come in the long-term.
The announcement on Co-Ownership Housing is appreciated. Abolishing the capital value limits and revising the stake down to 25 per cent seem sensible but we need to see the final details before a fuller comment can be made.
Developer contributions are welcomed by NIFHA and we anticipate they will yield real benefits in the long-term. We want them to be practical, legally sound and introduced at the earliest opportunity. Housing associations will play their part in ensuring the contributions do make a real difference on the ground.
Ends
For further information contact:
Chris Williamson, Chief Executive
M: 078 6646 6119 T: 028 9023 0446 E: cwilliamson@nifha.org.
Notes to editors
- NIFHA has yet to see the terms of reference for Baroness Ford’s investigation and the final report
- NIFHA has not received a copy of Professor Alastair Adair’s report and the University of Glasgow’s report on rent policy in the social rented sector.
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
