Political leadership needed to address homelessness

Local charity Housing Rights has welcomed the publication of a Northern Ireland Audit Office report on homelessness in Northern Ireland.  The report examines the scale and nature of homelessness locally.

Janet Hunter, Housing Rights Director commented: “Today’s report shines a light on the complex and continuing issue of homelessness in Northern Ireland.   There are many useful recommendations in the report and we particularly welcome the increased emphasis on the prevention of homelessness.  We believe that prevention is the best cure and work tirelessly everyday to keep people in their homes. Homelessness is, as the report recognizes, much more than just a housing issue so we are heartened to see a recommendation for more joined up inter agency working to address this.”

Today’s report also contains a number of recommendations including how data on homelessness is collected and analysed.

Ms Hunter continued: "There is clearly scope to improve current ways of working. However, it remains our view, that without clear political leadership to make housing a priority and approve additional investment we will not address the problem of homelessness in our society."

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