Evidence, Research & Good practice briefings

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No Defence ? Why People in Northern Ireland facing possession are losing out

This research examines why people facing debt related possession action in Northern Ireland are losing out in comparison to their counterparts in Britain. It analyses the key drivers in mortgage repossessions, the cost and impact of repossession, the important role of advice and representation and presents opportunities for change in Northern Ireland. Read more...

Representation to the Social Security Advisory Committee June 2011 on the Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2011

Housing Rights Service welcomes the opportunity to provide written views to the Social Security Advisory Committee evidence on the latest cut to the housing benefit budget. Read more...

Housing Rights Service Response to the Department for Social Development Draft Budget

Housing Rights Service welcomes the publication of the DSD's draft budget, althought the detail is limited.

Housing Rights Service Response to the NI Draft Budget 2011 - 2015

We welcome the opportunity to comment on the Draft Budget 2011 - 2015. Whilst the NI Executive (the Executive) is to be commended for publishing this on 15th December 2010, the lack of detail and absence of the Programme for Government makes it difficult to respond to the proposals.

Written evidence on the impact of Housing Benefit Reform

Housing Rights Service was asked to submit written evidence to the Committee for Work and Pensions on the impact of Housing Benefit reform. This evidence outlines our response to the proposals put forward in the 2010 budget

Written evidence on the proposed Housing Bill

Submitted: August 2010

Housing Rights Service was invited to submit written evidence to the Social Development Committee on the proposed housing bill. In our evidence we broadly support the measures contained in the Bill and highlight a number of issues which we believe the Committee should consider

Briefing to Social Development Committee on the Preventing Possession Initiative

Representatives from Housing Rights Service were invited to brief the Social Development Committee on 10th June 2010. The Committee extended the invitation after reading the Research Paper into the effectiveness of Court representation.

Briefing to Social Development Committee on Proposed Housing Benefit Reform

Housing Rights Service was invited to brief the Social Development Committee in February 2010 on the Department for Work and Pension's proposals to reform Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance

Research paper: Court representation - the first 6 months

Published: October 2009

This paper sets out the research undertaken by Housing Rights Service into the first 6 months of the Court Representation Service, provided as part of the Preventing Possession Initiative. The research analyses the household profile of the 90 cases which have used the Service in the first six months of its operation, it details the outcomes of proceedings and examines the cost benefits of this work. The purpose of this research is to provide an evidence base into the impact of providing informal advocacy in mortgage repossession hearings.
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Evidence to the Social Development Committee on the Draft Housing (Amendment) Bill

Published: September 2009

Document outlining Housing Rights Service response to the draft housing bill introduced to the NI Assembly on 9 June 2009...

Policy paper on Financial inclusion and housing debt in Northern Ireland (NI)

Published: July 2009

This paper explores the problem of financial exclusion and housing debt and proposes possible policy solutions...

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Housing Rights Service good practice briefing paper on mortgage rescue and flexible tenure schemes

Published: May 2008

This briefing paper examines the rationale of mortgage rescue schemes and highlights areas of good practice...
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Briefing paper on promoting responsible letting in the private rented sector

This briefing paper provides Housing Rights Service proposals for reform of the private rented sector in Northern Ireland...

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