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When everyone has a home

028 9024 5640: Housing & Debt Helpline for Northern Ireland

Policy & Research

Our policy work is based on the experiences of people who contact us for advice. We work on their behalf to secure positive changes to housing legislation, policy and practice in Northern Ireland. You can read more about what we are striving to achieve in the coming year by downloading our policy priorities.

Below, you will find copies of policy briefings, consultation responses and research papers that Housing Rights has produced recently.

Response for a breathing space scheme for people in serious debt

Policy Briefing
January 2018

Our work includes helping people with mortgage, tenancy and other housing debts, and working to ensure that our clients are empowered to sustain their tenancies. Whilst the consultation on a “breathing space” scheme is initially relevant to England, Housing Rights welcomes the potential for this to be extended to Wales and Northern Ireland, and is pleased to have the opportunity to contribute on this basis. 

PDF icon Housing Rights response for a breathing space scheme for this in debt DEC 17.pdf

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Policy, Affordability

Housing Rights response to DfC proposals - A fundamental review of social housing allocations

Consultation Response
December 2017

We welcome the publication of a Review which aims to achieve a fair, transparent and effective Housing Selection Scheme in Northern Ireland, ensuring applicants in the greatest need have their housing needs met. It is Housing Rights’ view that further evaluation and/or refinement of some of the proposals cited could strengthen the impact of such proposals and ensure the Department’s aim is achieved. Housing Rights has offered the organisation’s views on how this may be best achieved within our response. 

PDF icon Housing Rights Response to DfC Consultation on Proposals for Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations.pdf

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Social Tenancies, Policy

Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Private Rented Sector

Research Paper
November 2017

This Housing Rights research examines the case for the establishment of an independent dispute resolution service for tenants and landlords in Northern Ireland.

The research:

  • Reviews relevant policy documents from Northern Ireland and the UK which support improving access to justice;
  • Identifies and examines specific good practice ADR case studies from other jurisdictions;
  • Gathers expert opinion from those living and working in the PRS in Northern Ireland, as well as housing practitioners and policy makers;
  • Assesses the data and makes recommendations for the principles which an ADR system needs to consider, and how that system could function.
PDF icon Housing Rights Exec Summary Alternative Dispute Resolution PRS Nov 17.pdf
PDF icon Housing Rights Alternative Dispute Resolution PRS Nov 17.pdf

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Research, Private Tenancies

Housing Rights response to Prisons Service "Prisons 2020" discussion document

Consultation Response
October 2017

Housing Rights has responded to the Prisons’ Service “Prisons 2020” discussion document, which aims to “provide an efficient, effective, modern and affordable service which is focused on the development of staff and capable of rehabilitating people in custody.”

PDF icon Housing Rights Policy Response 092017 Prisons 2020.pdf

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Homelessness

Housing Rights response to proposals for the private rented sector

Consultation Response
April 2017

Housing Rights has responded to the Department for Communities’ consultation on the Proposals for Change in the Private Rented Sector. We welcome many of the proposals, but have suggested further refinement in some areas to strengthen their impact on the ground. 

 

PDF icon Housing Rights Response to the Review of the Private Rented Sector APR17.pdf

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Private Tenancies, Policy

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