policy

Housing Rights Service believes everyone has a right to a decent, safe and affordable home. Our policy work is based on the experience of those who come to us for advice, including homeless people and those who are living in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation.

Housing situation in Northern Ireland

The law in Northern Ireland regarding housing and homelessness is different to that in Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The way in which social housing is managed also differs. Councils are not involved in allocation of housing.

Instead, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has responsibility for managing the majority of this stock. The remainder is provided by Registered Housing Associations.

Current policy issues

Housing Rights Service is currently focusing on the following policy issues:

• Preventing and alleviating homelessness
• Tackling housing debt and affordability
• Increasing the supply of social housing
• Improving private rented accomodation and how it is managed

Responses

Housing Rights Service is committed to a joint approach in our work on housing and homelessness policy. We have contributed to a range of consultation processes that impact on the lives of our clients.

Our views are informed from the experiences of our clients and from consultation, where possible, with our members. The most recent policy responses are available to view and download.

For more information about our policy work contact Nicola McCrudden on 028 9024 5640.