Housing and homelessness bodies welcome NI Executive’s endorsement of housing supply strategy

A group of leading housing and homelessness organisations in Northern Ireland has welcomed the recent endorsement of the housing supply strategy by the NI Executive. In order to address a critical need for homes in an escalating national housing crisis, the bodies have issued an urgent call for increased funding in the 2025/26 budget to ensure the successful implementation of the strategy and the delivery of the Programme for Government’s housing goals.

The open letter, signed by Homeless Connect, NIFHA, CIH Northern Ireland and Housing Rights, underscores the severe pressure on the housing and homelessness sectors. Addressed to First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA, it highlights several key areas requiring urgent attention: the need for increased social housing delivery, strengthened homelessness prevention services, investment in energy efficiency and decarbonisation, and support for groups most at risk of homelessness.

The organisations warn that without adequate funding, the housing crisis will worsen, exacerbating existing inequalities and causing further hardship for individuals and families.

Justin Cartwright, national director for Northern Ireland at the Chartered Institute of Housing said: “The Executive has demonstrated its commitment to addressing housing need by endorsing the housing supply strategy and prioritising housing in the draft Programme for Government. However, we remain deeply concerned about the potential impacts of underinvestment on housing and communities. Reduced funding for social housing and support services will exacerbate inequalities and hinder progress. It is crucial that the Executive prioritises investment in affordable housing and energy efficiency measures to create sustainable and resilient communities.”

Seamus Leheny, chief executive of NIFHA added: “Insufficient budgets threaten to undermine our efforts to address the housing crisis. Reduced funding for social housing development and support services will have a devastating impact on those most in need. We urge the Executive to protect and increase funding for these vital areas to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all.”

Nicola McCrudden, chief executive officer of Homeless Connect said: “It is welcome that the NI Executive recognises the fundamental importance of the provision of social and genuinely affordable housing in the draft Programme for Government. It is key that funding is aligned to strategies that will increase housing supply and help to alleviate pressures, including investment in vital homelessness support and prevention work. Better outcomes are possible, but we need the right investment and the right policy to get there.”

Kate McCauley, chief executive of Housing Rights commented: “It is critical that efforts to support people experiencing homelessness and to fund robust homelessness prevention services are supported across government through the budget. Adequate funding for these areas will not only improve housing outcomes it will also support the investment the NI Executive wants to make in health, justice and the economy.”

The letter outlines several key asks, including:

• Increased social housing delivery: A minimum of 2,200 new social homes to be delivered in 2025/26.
• Strengthened homelessness prevention services: Significant investment to prevent people from becoming homeless and to support those who are.
• Investment in energy efficiency and decarbonisation: Funding for retrofitting existing homes and building new energy-efficient housing to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty.
• Dedicated housing decarbonisation fund: To support the transition to a low-carbon housing sector.
• Increased funding for the Supporting People programme: To ensure that vulnerable groups receive the support they need.

Click here to read the open letter to First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.