Ricky Rowledge's 3 wishes

Since 1997, Ricky Rowledge has been Director of the Council for the Homeless (NI), the sole umbrella body representing homelessness agencies throughout NI. She currently sits on a number of policy and practice working groups including the Northern Ireland Homelessness Strategy Steering Group, and the Promoting Social Inclusion working group on homelessness.

Below she describes what she would ask for if granted three wishes by the Housing Genie.

1. Housing becomes priority

My first wish would be that the Stormont Executive would give housing the priority it deserves. After all, while we all need education and health care at some stage of our lives, we need housing at every single one.

2. Private rented sector is a viable option for homeless

My second wish would be that the private rented sector could, through rent and standards regulation, become a viable option for homeless people.

3. A voice for the voluntary community sector

My final wish would be that consultation didn’t actually mean ‘information’ and the voice of the voluntary community sector and service users was valued and reflected in policy development.