NI homelessness up 15% in a year

Homelessness in the North rose by more than 15% last year, it emerged today.

With nearly 10,000 cases confirmed, relationship breakdowns and family disputes were the biggest reasons, Housing Executive chief Paddy McIntyre said.

He pledged to fight the causes as he mapped out the organisation’s changing role once powers are transferred to the new super councils in 2009.

Despite implementing its Homelessness Strategy, the numbers declaring themselves without accommodation went up after levelling off for two years.

“The number of households found to be homeless after investigation by the Housing Executive rose from 8,470 in 2004/05 to 9,749 last year,” he confirmed.

“This is an average increase across Northern Ireland of 15.1%.”

Marital and relationship breakdowns accounted for 931 of the cases, nearly 10% of the total.

A further 2,010 applications were accepted as homeless due to the breakdown in sharing arrangements and family rows, more than 20% of the overall figure.

“Family disputes, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence and leaving care all contribute to the current level of homelessness. They each need different types of support,” Mr McIntyre said.

“However, it is clear that preventative measures can make an impact.

“Measures such as school education programmes on the consequences of leaving home and mediation for family disputes, can contribute to preventing homelessness, especially among young people.”

The chief executive told how three out of every five homeless cases last year were permanently re-housed within six months.

More than 3,500 households were found temporary accommodation during the same period.

Mr McIntyre stressed the organisation’s commitment as he began meetings with the 26 local councils to consult on District Housing Plans.

With major changes to follow Northern Secretary Peter Hain’s Review of Public Administration, several of the Housing Executive’s key functions will switch to the councils in 2009.

These are: private-sector grants, group repair, houses in multiple occupation, unfitness, energy conservation, Travellers’ sites, supporting people and urban renewal.

“The Housing Executive has received assurances from government that, for the foreseeable future, we will continue to be the strategic housing authority for Northern Ireland,” Mr McIntyre said.

“While the Housing Executive Board is disappointed to see any functions transfer, our role now is to ensure that these changes are implemented smoothly and effectively.

“We will work to build strong and productive relationships with new larger councils using our network of local district offices and our links to over 600 community groups.”

He also set out six new key objectives devised after a major public consultation. These are:

:: delivering the Decent Homes Standard by reducing private-sector unfitness through grant aid;

:: promoting independent living;

:: delivering urban and rural regeneration;

:: promoting affordable housing through the formulation of the social development programme;

:: building a stronger community by promoting community safety, good relations, and linking housing and education;

:: providing better public services through a modernising services programme.