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Policy

Housing in the General Election Manifestos 2019

5 December 2019

With the General Election due to take place on Thursday 12th December, we look at the main parties’ election manifestos and summarise the housing related commitments from each of these.

Alliance Party

The Alliance Party Election Manifesto 2019 “Demand Better”, sets out key commitments including:

Demand Better Work and Welfare

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NI Annual Housing Statistics Report 2018-19

5 December 2019

The Department for Communities has release the latest housing statistics for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Housing Statistics is an annual compendium of statistics which provides information on a range of areas relating to housing.

Key findings from the survey include: 

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Research, Policy

PRS 2019 Conference Report: A Changing Sector? Raising standards for private renters

25 November 2019
 
Housing Rights’ annual Private Rented Sector Conference was held on Wednesday 20th November in the Skainos Centre. The PRS 2019 conference, which was sponsored by TDS NI, focused on raising standards in the private rented sector and the day was grouped into three sections:
  • Emerging Issues in the Sector
  • Current Challenges for Landlords & Tenants
  • Future Proofing the PRS
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Benefits, Brexit, Legislation, Outside NI, Regulation, Research, Social Tenancies, Private Tenants Forum, Private Tenancies, Practical tips, Policy

Falling Behind: Local Housing Allowance research

Research Paper
October 2019

Falling Behind: Exploring the gap between Local Housing Allowance and the availability of affordable private rented accommodation in Northern Ireland.

This research shows that renting privately in Northern Ireland is becoming increasingly unaffordable for people who rely on housing benefit to pay their rent. Almost 9 out of 10 of rental properties are out of reach for people receiving Housing Benefit with the research showing that as little as 12% of properties in the sector would have their rent fully covered by the amount of benefit available.

 

PDF icon Falling behind Executive Summary 10 October.pdf
PDF icon Falling Behind LHA full research Oct 2019.pdf
PDF icon Falling-behind-policy-briefing-Oct19.pdf

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Benefits, Regulation, Research, Welfare Reform, Policy, Homelessness, Equality, Affordability

Almost 9 in 10 homes unaffordable for people on housing benefit

11 October 2019

New research launched today by advice charity Housing Rights shows that renting privately in Northern Ireland is becoming increasingly unaffordable for people who rely on housing benefit to pay their rent. Almost 9 out of 10 of rental properties are out of reach for people receiving Housing Benefit with the research showing that as little as 12% of properties in the sector would have their rent fully covered by the amount of benefit available.

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Welfare policy in Northern Ireland: Inquiry Report

11 September 2019

The Work and Pensions and Northern Ireland Affairs Committees have published their joint report following the Inquiry into Welfare policy in Northern Ireland.

Welfare Reform Mitigations

Housing Rights welcomes the joint committee’s recognition that:

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Benefits, Policy

Housing Rights responds to the Department for Communities' consultation on the definition of affordable housing

4 September 2019

Housing Rights has responded to the Department for Communities’ consultation on the Definition of Affordable Housing.

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Policy

Housing Rights response to Department for Communities consultation on a revised definition of "affordable housing"

Consultation Response
September 2019

Housing Rights has responded to the Department for Communities’ consultation on the Definition of Affordable Housing.

The Consultation paper was produced by the Department to inform engagement on proposals for an updated definition of ‘affordable housing’ for Northern Ireland, with the aim of producing a clear definition which can be applied consistently in legislation, policy, local plans and practice.

Housing Rights welcomes the Department’s decision to put forward initial thoughts whilst also calling for additional evidence and insight from stakeholders to assist in policy refinement in this area.

 

PDF icon Housing_Rights_Consultation_Response_definition_affordable_housing_0819.pdf

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Policy

Housing Rights Responds to NIHE Consultation on the Draft Chronic Homelessness Action Plan

12 August 2019

Housing Rights has responded to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s (NIHE) Draft Chronic Homelessness Action Plan consultation.

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Policy, Homelessness

Proposed changes to definition of affordable housing

29 July 2019

A consultation on proposed changes to the definition of Affordable Housing is currently underway. The Department for Communities wishes to revise the definition of "affordable housing" currently used so that it encompasses a wider range of housing products. 

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