Latest issue of The View focuses on housing

The View, an independent social affairs magazine, has released their latest issue, focusing solely on housing.

Edited by Professor Paddy Gray, University of Ulster, and supported by the Housing Executive, the publication looks at the issues surrounding housing in Northern Ireland.

Janet Hunter highlights affordability concerns

Housing Rights director, Janet Hunter, contributed to the edition. She highlights how 2016 will show that affordability will continue to be a huge concern for our clients, regardless of which housing sector they live in. 

Last year Housing Rights took over 13,000 calls from people living in private rental accommodation. Janet is hopeful that the current review of the private rented sector will address some of the issues that our clients are experiencing.

Within the social housing sector, concerns around impact of welfare reform, and the new housing payment element of Universal Credit could disproportionately impact on those currently living in supported housing.

For homeowners contacting Housing Rights for mortgage debt advice, early access to Support for Mortgage Interest payments, alongside support and advice are critical in keeping people in their homes.

Other contributions to The View housing edition

Professor Siobhan O’Neil, University of Ulster, highlights the high suicide rates in Northern Ireland, and the connection with mental health and housing.

Cameron Watt, Chief Executive of NIFHA, argues the case for social housing. He addresses the changing landscape in Northern Ireland housing, and the potential for the Housing Associations to take on the Housing Executive stock.

Clark Bailey, Chief Executive of the Housing Executive, lays out his vision for the organisation. He highlights the importance of community and tenant involvement and the importance of housing in creating a ‘peaceful, inclusive, prosperous and fair society.’

Justin Cartwright, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland argues that we must ensure that we are building enough houses to meet supply, which works out 11,000 new homes every year.

Find out more about the changing landscape of housing in Northern Ireland

Housing Rights  annual housing law update event will make sure that you are kept up to date with the very latest developments in housing legislation, policy and practice.

Held on the 10 March in Belfast, and led by our Policy and Practice Team, this seminar will provide you with the must have information on key housing policy and case law developments over the past year including

• Legislative Developments,
• Housing Standards
• Welfare Reform
• Case law updates