This afternoon the All-Party Group (APG) on Homelessness met at the Northern Ireland Assembly to receive a briefing from the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA. The Minister outlined his Department’s approach to tackling homelessness and responded to a wide range of questions from members and stakeholders. The meeting also included the election of the APG’s new Office Bearers for the coming year.
Three key takeaways from the session
1. Increasing housing supply remains central, despite delivery challenges
The Minister emphasised that increasing the supply of affordable and social housing is fundamental to addressing homelessness, highlighting record levels of investment in the Social Housing Development Plan and over 6,000 social homes currently being built.
During questions, members raised concerns about barriers to delivery, including wastewater infrastructure and planning constraints. While acknowledging these challenges, the Minister expressed confidence in a substantial programme of housing delivery in the years ahead. He outlined that he will be bringing an action plan for the Housing Supply Strategy to the Executive in coming weeks.
2. There is a clear policy shift towards prevention, but questions remain on delivery and legislation
A key theme throughout the session was the move the Department and the wider Executive have taken towards a prevention-based approach, including a commitment to a recurring strategic prevention budget and a desire to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation.
However, members highlighted the absence of a statutory duty to prevent homelessness and pointed to the potential value of approaches such as the “Ask and Act” duties introduced in Scotland. The Minister confirmed that work on legislative reform is now underway, although the full process has yet to be decided.
3. Rising demand, complexity and financial uncertainty are creating pressure across the system
The Minister highlighted increasing complexity of need among those experiencing homelessness and the importance of support services such as Supporting People and targeted initiatives like Complex Lives.
This was reinforced during questions, with concerns raised about the impact of financial uncertainty, quarterly budget management and pressures on services. Particular concern was also expressed about the high number of children experiencing homelessness and the impact on their education, underlining the need for stronger cross-departmental working.
Election of Office Bearers
The APG also held its annual election of Office Bearers.
The following members were elected:
- Chair: Kellie Armstrong MLA
- Vice-Chair: Colm Gildernew MLA
- Secretary: Pam Cameron MLA
- Treasurer: Andy McMurray MLA
The next meeting of the APG will take place in late September. You can keep up to date with the work of the APG by checking the news section of our website.
