Navigating a new era of public affairs in Northern Ireland

Writing exclusively for Unlocked, CIH’s Northern Ireland director, Justin Cartwright, looks at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both the sector and the new communities minister.

In the wake of a tumultuous two-year hiatus, Northern Ireland's public affairs sector finds itself at a critical juncture. The reinstatement of the Stormont institutions heralds a fresh era of governance after civil servants valiantly kept the administrative ship afloat amidst the turbulence. 

However, their hands were tied, unable to chart new policy courses, and mainly adhering to the directives of the previous Executive. 

As the dust settles and the government gears up for action, the focus naturally gravitates towards pressing issues, few as urgent as the housing crisis. With inflationary pressures casting a shadow over construction costs and a backlog of legislative reforms awaiting attention, the stage is set for decisive action. 

Capitalising on housing opportunities 

With the restoration of Stormont comes renewed hope for the housing sector. The capital budget, a lifeline for initiatives like social housing, is poised for enhancement. 

Previously tethered to the constraints of a three-year budget drafted by the defunct Executive, the prospects looked bleak for the 2024/25 fiscal year. However, with ministerial reinstatement, there's optimism for a more robust allocation, addressing the pressing need for new social homes. 

Yet, amidst this optimism lies the stark reality of constrained resource budgets. Tough decisions loom large, particularly concerning vital programmes like Supporting People and homelessness services. 

Charting the course 

As Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA assumes the mantle, attention shifts to his agenda.  

Several key priorities come to the fore: 

• Housing supply strategy – Finalising the long-awaited housing supply strategy holds the promise of addressing entrenched barriers to housebuilding, encompassing quality standards, decarbonisation imperatives, and infrastructure enhancements 
• Alleviating intimidation points – The pause for thought on proposals to remove intimidation points and interim accommodation points may see resolution under the new minister's tenure, offering hope for fairer allocation mechanisms 
• Retrofitting for sustainability – Against the backdrop of legislative imperatives stemming from the Climate Change Act, a robust policy framework for retrofitting existing housing stock is imperative to meet net-zero emissions targets 
• Revitalising the Housing Executive – Advancing efforts to enable the Housing Executive to access borrowing and invest in its housing will be essential in guaranteeing that all tenants live in safe and comfortable homes. 

Reforming the private-rented sector 

Amidst the tumult, reforms in the private-rented sector have been progressing. 

Phase 1 reforms 

The enactment of the Private Tenancies Act (NI) 2022 represents a pivotal first step, encompassing safety, security, and standards enhancements. Sections 1-6 of the act began on 1 April 2023, notably limiting tenancy deposits to the equivalent of one month's rent. 

Ongoing legislative changes 

With the restoration of the institutions, regulatory measures spanning notice-to-quit periods to the establishment of electrical safety standards now have the opportunity to advance. Regulations restricting rent increase frequency offer a pragmatic middle ground, balancing tenant protection with market dynamics. The spectre of rent control, while a contentious issue, remains on the sidelines for now. 

The road ahead 

As Northern Ireland embarks on this new chapter of governance, the path forward remains laden with challenges and opportunities. The role of CIH and our partners in this unfolding narrative is pivotal. Advocating for equitable housing policies, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and navigating legislative intricacies will be instrumental in shaping Northern Ireland's housing landscape. 

As we stand on the cusp of change, let’s harness this momentum to drive positive, lasting impact for all communities across the region.