Housing policy changes in Northern Ireland – Q1 2024

As we move through the first quarter of 2024, Northern Ireland's housing landscape continues to evolve, with policy updates and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents. 

Let's delve into the key highlights from the past few months. 

Anti-social behaviour consultation 

The Department of Justice and the Department for Communities collaborated on a joint public consultation aimed at refining the legislative framework to combat anti-social behaviour effectively. Key areas under consideration include Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), drinking in public, injunctions against anti-social behaviour, and grounds for possession in social housing. 

We advocated for impactful changes that prioritise addressing the root causes of anti-social behaviour while ensuring swift and effective enforcement measures. Our key priorities include introducing positive requirements to ASBOs, collaborative approaches with housing associations, and comprehensive enforcement powers. 

Polling of our members showed overwhelming support for key proposals in this consultation – read our response. 

£3 million for Supporting People programme 

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced an additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People (SP) programme. This funding, channelled through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, aims to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable people by providing supported and assisted accommodation. 

Minister Lyons emphasised the importance of investing in programmes like Supporting People to deliver positive impacts and address societal needs effectively. We welcomed the funding boost, recognising its pivotal role in supporting vulnerable members of our communities. 

Minister Lyons' commitment to prioritising SP early in his tenure underscores a proactive approach towards addressing housing challenges. However, we remain concerned about the potential impact of ongoing budgetary constraints on essential support services; it's crucial that we continue to advocate for sustained investment. 

Fire safety improvements for high-rise residential buildings 

In response to the Grenfell tragedy, the Department for Communities has initiated efforts to bolster fire safety in high-rise and other residential buildings across Northern Ireland. The establishment of a Residential Building Safety Team signals a proactive stance towards developing a new legislative framework and engaging stakeholders, including residents, to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place. 

Responsibility for defective premises 

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed to BBC News NI his department would take responsibility for functions under the Defective Premises Order, subject to approval by the Executive and Assembly. The commitment follows news of the High Court dismissing a group action filed by owners of defective apartments, due to the legislative time limit for compensation having passed. 

The limit is six years in Northern Ireland, compared with 30 years in England and Wales. 

Private-rented sector policy refresh 

The Department for Communities is undertaking a policy refresh aimed at reevaluating proposals for change within the private rented sector (PRS). Recognising that eight years have passed since the start of the current PRS review, there is a need to reassess the relevance of outstanding areas for action. Time constraints within the previous government mandate resulted in phased reforms, with the first group of changes introduced under the Private Tenancies Act 2022. 

Key areas under consideration now include: 

• 1. Establishment of a housing panel for dispute resolution 
• 2. Extension of tenancy terms to enhance security of tenure 
• 3. Specification of grounds for eviction 
• 4. Implementation of higher quality standards for private-rented accommodation 
• 5. Addressing affordability concerns 
• 6. Regulation of letting agents. 

We have been awarded a contract to conduct research on letting agent regulation. We are tasked with formulating recommendations for change, which will be presented to the department for consideration. 

In the forthcoming period, we will engage with PRS stakeholders through interviews to gather valuable insights and perspectives to inform our research. 

UK government's Spring Budget 

The UK government's Spring Budget reiterated previously announced changes in welfare policies, including adjustments in benefit rates and local housing allowance (LHA). Among the notable changes are the lift in basic benefit rates by 6.7 per cent, reflecting the preceding September's CPI figure, and LHA rates reset at the 30th percentile. 

While some measures aim to alleviate financial burdens on struggling households, further reforms are urged to support those on the lowest incomes adequately. 

• What you need to know about the Spring Budget 

Housing Executive rent levels set for 2024/25 

The Department for Communities has confirmed a 7.7 per cent increase in Housing Executive rents from April 2024. Tenant affordability remains a key consideration, with measures in place to protect vulnerable tenants. The increase will facilitate essential maintenance and improvements while ensuring affordability for tenants. 

Raise in value limit for Co-Ownership 

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced an increase in the upper property value limit for Co-Ownership from £190,000 to £195,000. This move aims to facilitate more individuals and families in accessing home-ownership. 

Climate change: review of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) 

The Department for Infrastructure has launched a Call for Evidence on a potential focused review of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) concerning climate change. Its purpose is to test whether the current framework remains fit for purpose, particularly considering passage of the Climate Change Act 2022. 

As we reflect on these updates, it's evident that efforts are underway to address various facets of housing policy in Northern Ireland. 

Stay tuned for more updates in our next quarterly roundup.