CIH NI responds to latest homelessness statistics

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland today commented on the latest homelessness bulletin for October 2024 to March 2025, welcoming a notable decrease in homelessness presentations and acceptances, while underscoring persistent challenges and the critical need for robust prevention strategies.

The latest figures reveal positive trends in several key areas:

• Homelessness presentations in Northern Ireland have decreased by 10 per cent compared with the same period last year, falling from 8,452 to 7,637.
• Similarly, homelessness acceptances – where households are legally recognised as homeless – have also seen a 10 per cent reduction, from 5,698 to 5,135.
• This decline in acceptances is partly attributed to a fall in cases where ‘accommodation not reasonable’ was cited as the primary reason for homelessness, particularly due to financial hardship. This suggests a potential link to improving socioeconomic indicators.
• Other significant reasons for homelessness acceptances include sharing breakdown/family dispute (19 per cent), loss of rented accommodation (14 per cent), and domestic abuse (12 per cent).
• Within the ‘loss of rented accommodation’ category, the sale of private rented property remains the main reason for tenancy loss, accounting for 62 per cent of cases, consistent with CIH's own research findings.
• While placements in temporary accommodation remain stable (5,691 compared with 5,713 in the previous corresponding period), there is a notable increase in the proportion of men and pensioners being placed.
• A welcome development is the decrease in the use of hotels and B&Bs for temporary accommodation, alongside an increase in the use of private single lets, which are generally more cost-effective and offer a more dignified, self-contained place to live.

Justin Cartwright, CIH Northern Ireland national director, commented:

"The latest homelessness bulletin presents a mixed picture, and we welcome the 10 per cent reduction in both homelessness presentations and acceptances. Fewer people losing their homes due to financial hardship is particularly welcome, which may signal some positive shifts in the broader economic landscape for people. We also welcome the move towards more private single lets for temporary accommodation – these provide a more stable and dignified environment for people awaiting a long-term home.

“However, these statistics also highlight areas where continued, focused intervention is crucial. The private rented sector continues to be a pathway into homelessness, with property sales being a driver. If we are to keep more people in their private rented homes, we must carefully consider policies that don't inadvertently disadvantage landlords, acknowledging the financial drivers and the tax system's role.

“To truly drive down homelessness figures and ensure everyone has a safe, secure and affordable home, we must go further. This means securing adequate homelessness prevention funding, expanding 'Housing First' solutions that provide immediate support and stable housing, and fostering greater cooperation across all agencies, especially in addressing complex issues like domestic abuse. Ultimately, a statutory duty to prevent homelessness, coupled with a mandate for inter-agency cooperation, would empower truly person-centred solutions and make sustainable progress towards addressing homelessness in Northern Ireland."