SECOND REPORT ON THE INQUIRY
INTO HOUSING IN NORTHERN IRELAND
(HOMELESSNESS)
SESSION 2001/2002 THIRD REPORT
COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
VOLUME 1 – REPORT, MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AND
MINUTES OF EVIDENCE RELATING TO THE REPORT
1. The Committee for Social Development is a Statutory Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly, established in accordance with paragraphs 8 and 9 of Strand One of the Belfast Agreement and under Assembly Standing Order No 46.
2. The Committee has a scrutiny, policy development and consultation role with respect to the Department for Social Development and has a role in the initiation of legislation.
3. The Committee has power:
n to consider and advise on Departmental budgets and Annual Plans in the context of the overall budget allocation;
n to approve relevant secondary legislation and take the Committee Stage of relevant primary legislation;
n to call for persons and papers;
n to initiate inquiries and make reports
n to consider and advise on matters brought to the Committee by the Minister for Social Development.
4. The Committee was established on 29 November 1999 with 11 members including a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson and a quorum of 5. The membership of the Committee is as follows-
n Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
n Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)*
n Sir John Gorman
n Mr T Hamilton (replaced Mr McClarty with effect from 6 February 2001)
n Mr B Hutchinson
n Ms M Gildernew
n Mr D O’Connor
n Mr E ONeill
n Mr M Robinson
n Mr J Tierney
n Mr S Wilson
5. All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk to the Committee for Social Development, Room 419 Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX.
* Mr G Kelly replaced Ms M Gildernew as Deputy Chairperson with effect from 8 April 2002.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume One
REPORT AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Terms of Reference
1.3 Written and Oral Evidence
1.4 The draft Housing Bill
1.5 Reports by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Comptroller
and Auditor General for Northern Ireland
1.6 Homelessness – a complex and growing problem
2.0 Background
2.1 The Legislative Position
2.2 The Scale of Homelessness in Northern Ireland
2.3 Comparisons with other Regions
2.4 The Main Reasons for Homeless Applications in Northern Ireland
2.5 The Profile of Homelessness in Northern Ireland
3.0 The main areas considered by the Committee in the course of its Inquiry
3.1 Housing Support Services
3.2 Repeat Homeless
3.3 The Common Selection Scheme
3.4 Priority Needs
3.5 The House Sales Scheme
3.6 Young Homeless and Children Leaving Care
3.7 Urban, Rural and Hidden Homeless
3.8 Reliance on Bed & Breakfast facilities
3.9 Proposed Housing (Support Services) Bill
4.0 Recommendations
4.1 Definition of Homelessness and Priority Needs
4.2 A Clear and Cohesive Strategy and Action Plan
4.3 Inter-Agency Co-operation and Training
4.4 Information Systems
4.5 Out of Hours Service
4.6 Appeals System
4.7 Preventative Measures
4.8 Social Housing Provision
5.0 Conclusions and Acknowledgements
Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Report
Minutes of Evidence relating to the Report
Part A - Tuesday 5 February 2002 - Thursday 14 February 2002
Part B - Tuesday 19 February 2002 - Thursday 12 March 2002
List of witnesses who gave oral evidence
Volume Two
Written Submissions Relating to the Report
Report
1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 Background
The Committee for Social Development (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) agreed, in March 2001, to conduct an Inquiry into housing related matters in three phases. The Committee published its First Report in November 2001. That Report covered four main issues, namely
n Private Sector Renewal
n Houses in Multiple Occupation and Regulation of the Private Rented Sector
n Large Scale Voluntary Transfers
n Housing Association Tenants – Right to Buy
The Committee’s First Report into housing related matters was the subject of a positive and constructive debate in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 12 November 2001. Following that debate, the Committee immediately turned its attention to phase two of its Inquiry.1.2 Terms of Reference
The original terms of reference for the second phase of the Inquiry were as follows:
“To investigate the issue of homelessness in relation to the potential impact of the proposed Housing Bill, and to produce a report.”
A revised terms of reference was subsequently agreed by the Committee, on 8 November 2001, as follows:
“To investigate the extent of Homelessness in Northern Ireland, to examine current arrangements in Northern Ireland for dealing with homelessness, to conduct comparisons with England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, to identify models of good practice, and produce a report.”1.3 Written and Oral Evidence
The Committee is grateful to everyone who took the time to make written and oral submissions on the subject of “Homelessness”. As was the case with the Committee’s First Report, the written and oral submissions, which are re-produced elsewhere in this document, have had a significant bearing on the recommendations contained in this, the Committee’s Second Report into housing related matters. Once again, the recommendations contained in this Report are made on the premise that there should be local solutions to local problems. However, in the search for models of good practice, a contextual account of what is happening in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland is also provided.1.4 The draft Housing Bill
Ordinarily, and following publication of the Second Report, it had been the Committee’s intention to proceed to conduct the third phase of its Inquiry in which it would deal with the subject of Anti-Social Behaviour. However, the Committee has since decided that, with the introduction of the Housing Bill into the Northern Ireland Assembly now apparently imminent, its immediate priority is to ensure the effective scrutiny of the proposed legislation. In reaching this decision the Committee was conscious that the draft legislation, which was published for consultation on 1 March 2001, includes provisions relating to Anti-Social Behaviour and thus the opportunity to examine this important issue will not be lost entirely.
1.5 Reports by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland
In the course of its deliberations into Homelessness, the Committee was acutely aware that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) had undertaken a Review of its Homelessness Strategy and Services and published a summary report for public consultation. The Committee understands that the NIHE intends to publish a further report in due course. The Committee was also conscious that, during the course of its Inquiry, a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland “Housing the Homeless” was published on 19 March 2002. The Comptroller’s Report currently stands referred to the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee. The Committee for Social Development intends to keep the issue of Homelessness under constant review and will pay particular attention to the NIHE Report and any recommendations which may emerge from the Public Accounts Committee’s deliberations.1.6 Homelessness – a complex and growing problem
In publishing this Report, the Committee commends the public, voluntary and community sector organisations including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Health and Social Services Boards for their past diligence and commitment to what is an extremely vulnerable and needy group in our society. However, and as this Report shows, homelessness is a complex and growing problem.
It is the Committee’s view that the public, private and voluntary and community sectors have a moral duty of responsibility to re-double their efforts to provide proper levels of support and assistance in order to meet the needs of those who are without a home.
2.0 BACKGROUND2.1 The Legislative Position
The legislation governing homelessness in Northern Ireland is contained in the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 [i] (the Housing Order) which came into force in April 1989.
In essence, the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 places a statutory duty on the NIHE to provide temporary and/or permanent accommodation for certain groups of homeless persons, depending on an assessment of each person’s case. In general, the legislation will potentially assist persons who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. Priority status can be granted to a person who can prove homelessness/threatened homelessness [article 3] and who falls within the list of persons defined as having a priority need in the Housing Order [article 5] and who became homeless through no fault of their own (unintentionally) [article 6]. Those who satisfy the three tests of
n homelessness;
n priority need; and
n intentionality
are considered to have Full Duty Application status. The criteria attached to these three tests are set out in more detail in a paper prepared by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Research and Library Service and which is re-produced in this Report.
At the time of writing this Report, the Committee awaited final details of the provisions to be contained in the proposed Housing Bill, due to be introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly by the Minister for Social Development.2.2 The Scale of Homelessness in Northern Ireland
The number of households* presenting as homeless in Northern Ireland has increased by 26% - from 10,081 to 12,694 - over the last 10 years (see Figure 1 [ii] *
See Glossary.
).
The Committee acknowledges that at least part of this increase is due to the new Housing Selection Scheme, which automatically triggers a homelessness assessment if certain criteria are met in housing applications. However, the Committee is gravely concerned at this trend which shows no sign of abatement.
The number of households deemed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to have met the legislative criteria for priority status has increased by 55% (from 4,158 to 6,457) over the last 10 years. The proportion of applications accepted has increased from 41% to 51% over the same period.
Figure 1. Homelessness Applications & Acceptances: 1991/92 - 2000/01
The proportion of those presenting as homeless deemed to be ‘intentionally homeless’ has declined from around a third 10 years ago to just over a quarter in recent years. The numbers of ‘intentionally homeless’ have remained fairly constant over the last 10 years with a total of 3,449 for 2000/01. The number of households presenting as homeless in Northern Ireland has increased by 26% (from 10,081 to 12,694) over the last 10 years.
2.3 Comparisons with other Regions
Northern Ireland has a higher proportion of households presenting as homeless than other UK regions (see Figure 2). A greater proportion of these are also accepted as homeless by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (51%) than by local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales (43%, 45% and 32% respectively). Unfortunately, no comparable statistics are available for the Republic of Ireland.
Figure 2. Percentage of Households Presenting as Homeless by UK Region (2000/01)
2.4 The Main Reasons for Homeless Applications in Northern Ireland
An analysis of the main reasons given by those presenting as homeless shows six main causes. These are:
n Disputes with Family/Neighbour
n Relationship Breakdown
n Loss of Accommodation
n Absence of Accommodation
n Intimidation
n Domestic Violence.
Disputes with family members or neighbours is revealed as the main cause of homelessness. Intimidation is identified as the principal reason for yearly fluctuations. The associated statistics are examined in more detail in the paper prepared by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Research and Library Service and which is re-produced in this Report.
Much of the evidence submitted to the Committee’s Inquiry confirmed that a wide range of social problems, combined with the lack of sufficient, affordable and accessible accommodation in certain areas, was the underlying cause for the higher incidence of homelessness in Northern Ireland when compared with Great Britain.2.5 The Profile of Homelessness in Northern Ireland
The profile of those presenting as homeless in Northern Ireland (see Figure 3 and 3a) reveals that, in 2000/2001
n almost half of all applications came from single people (approximately two-thirds of whom were male)
n families accounted for 41% of all those presenting as ho
meless in 2000/01
n around 15% of those presenting as homeless originated from various types of institutional accommodation such as prison, hospital or care.
Figure 3a
Breakdown of Presenters |
Number |
Single males 16-25 yrs |
1,422 |
Single males 26-59 yrs |
2,671 |
Single females 16-25 yrs |
1,201 |
Single females 26-59 yrs |
867 |
Couples under 60 yrs |
651 |
Families |
5,170 |
Pensioner Household |
712 |
Total |
12,694 |
In a study undertaken by the Simon Community and the Health & Social Services Council, 20% of single homeless people regarded themselves as being in poor health; 27% had problems associated with alcohol; 12% reported drug dependency; and 47% reported a long-term health problem including chronic conditions such as asthma and manic depression.
The vast majority (97%) of those presenting to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive as homeless originate from Northern Ireland. In 2000/01, a total of 321 of those presenting as homeless were from outside Northern Ireland (172 from GB; 63 from ROI; 17 from other countries within the European Union; and 69 from outside the EU). The majority of asylum seekers are not administered under the homelessness legislation and are dealt with through the Home Office.
3.0 Main areas considered by the Committee in the course of its Inquiry
The body of written and oral evidence led the Committee to examine a number of main areas; these are outlined immediately below.
The Committee’s recommendations appear in the next section of this Report.3.1 Housing Support Services
The overwhelming message that emerged during the course of the Inquiry highlighted the fact that homelessness is not simply about providing a place to live. It was evident that the provision of a range of support services is critical in meeting the complex needs of individuals whose personal circumstances may differ and who may find themselves homeless for a variety of different reasons (see also 3.2 below).3.2 Repeat Homeless
The absence of reliable data on ‘repeat homelessness’ was regarded by some witnesses as evidence of an inherent weakness in the successful development of any strategy aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness.
A number of organisations suggested that the unavailability of support services contributed to the cycle of homelessness.3.3 The Common Selection Scheme
The Committee was impressed by evidence, presented by a number of organisations, which pointed to deficiencies in the application system, and which revealed a need for a clear definition of ‘homelessness’.
It was apparent from the evidence presented to the Committee that, whilst it is necessary to have adequate and effective arrangements for handling substantial numbers of applications, the existing Housing Selection Scheme may disadvantage at least some of those genuinely presenting as homeless.3.4 Priority Needs
The Committee acknowledges that there is a major difficulty in making objective determinations about priority needs; this relates, in particular, to those who may have presented themselves as homeless, intentionally. The Committee accepts that some form of administrative arrangements should continue to be employed in order to determine need.3.5 The House Sales Scheme
The Committee supports the principles behind the House Sales Scheme. However, representations made to the Committee suggested that the continued disposal of social housing limits the opportunities to address the long-term needs of the homeless.3.6 Young Homeless and Children Leaving Care
Much of the evidence presented to the Committee identified the increasing numbers of young people presenting as homeless. The Committee is deeply concerned at this trend, which, for example, has seen youth homelessness increase by 15% in the last 4 years.
Particular concern was expressed that, under existing arrangements, young people aged 16 – 21 years, who leave care, are not specifically identified as a priority group.
Evidence was also presented which suggested that the current provisions for 16 and 17 year olds lacked clarity.
Voluntary organisations confirmed that increasing numbers of young homeless were turning to the voluntary sector for both accommodation and support.3.7 Urban, Rural and Hidden Homeless
Whilst the majority of those presenting as homeless come to the attention of the authorities or the voluntary sector in urban environments, some organisations indicated that evidence was emerging to suggest that homelessness is extensive and on the increase in rural communities.
The limited availability of social housing in rural areas was cited as a possible underlying cause for increasing levels of homelessness in rural areas.
Some evidence was also presented to suggest that the true extent of homelessness, in all areas – both in urban and rural settings - is concealed by the willingness of extended families and friends to offer temporary and medium-term accommodation to those in need.3.8 Reliance on Bed & Breakfast facilities
It is clear from representations made to the Committee that an excessive reliance on Bed and Breakfast facilities is wholly unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, the Committee recognises that, through sheer pressure of numbers, and over a period of time, it has been necessary to use Bed and Breakfast facilities to meet short-term accommodation needs.3.9 Proposed Housing (Support Services) Bill
A number of organisations, which submitted evidence to the Committee, expressed concern about the financial implications of the legislative proposals contained in “Towards Supporting People”. The Committee shares those concerns and will continue to explore with the Minister responsible, how the required financial provision for support services might be guaranteed.
At the time of writing this Report, the Committee understood that the proposed introduction of this legislation to the Northern Ireland Assembly, was imminent.
4.0 Recommendations
The recommendations of the Committee for Social Development are recorded immediately below.4.1 Definition of Homelessness and Priority Needs
The Committee fully supports the calls for clarification of the definition of homelessness.
RECOMMENDATION 1
The Committee strongly recommends that the Minister for Social Development should adopt a revised definition of homelessness for inclusion in proposed housing legislation.
RECOMMENDATION 2
The Committee recommends that homelessness should be regarded as ‘the absence of a safe and accessible place to stay’.
The Committee further recommends that, in developing a revised definition of homelessness, consideration should be given to including
n those living in hostels and temporary accommodation (provided by statutory agencies or recognised voluntary sector organisations),
n those living in derelict, overcrowded * or unfit housing,
n those living under threat of domestic violence, in fear of intimidation or eviction, or on un-serviced or illegal travellers’ sites, and
n those living with friends or families and whose circumstances are officially recognised by a statutory agency (other than the Northern Ireland Housing Executive) as being housing related.
By way of illustration, the Committee draws to the attention of the Minister for Social Development the definition of homelessness currently in force in Scotland.
Section 24 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, amended by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, defines homelessness as follows:
n A person is homeless if he/she has no accommodation in the UK or elsewhere. A person is also homeless if he/she has accommodation but cannot occupy it, for example because of a threat of violence.
n A person is potentially homeless (i.e. threatened with homelessness) if it is likely that he/she will become homeless within 2 months.
n A person is intentionally homeless if he/she deliberately did or failed to do anything that led to the loss of accommodation that it was reasonable for him/her to continue to occupy.
[Source: Council for the Homeless, Scotland http://www.scsh.co.uk/facts.htm]
The Committee acknowledges the need to determine and prioritise need.
The Committee noted evidence which identified 18-25 year old males as amongst the largest group of homeless and the most likely to be long term or repeat homeless.
The Committee has reservations about automatically extending the priority need* category to include, for example, all 16-18 year olds.
The Committee considers that it may not be appropriate to automatically guarantee priority status to young people aged between 16 and 21 years.
RECOMMENDATION 3
The Committee strongly recommends that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive should consult with partner organisations in order to develop procedures which provide for prompt, professional input from relevant interests, by way of a ‘case conferencing system’, so as to ensure an urgent objective assessment of an individual’s status.
RECOMMENDATION 4
The Committee recommends that, whilst the rights of individuals must be respected, this must not be at the expense of contributing to the breakdown of the family as a stable and caring unit.
RECOMMENDATION 5
The Committee further recommends that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive should establish a specific, customised approach in assessing priority needs and dealing with young people presenting as homeless.
RECOMMENDATION 6
The Committee also recommends that the individual needs of children leaving care must be carefully examined before making a final determination on priority status.
The Committee also draws to the attention of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and its Executive, the need to ensure that the provisions contained in the Children Leaving Care Bill and any legislative proposals relating to housing and homelessness are compatible and beneficial to these vulnerable young people.
RECOMMENDATION 7
In the light of the prevalence of young males aged between 18 and 25 years presenting as homeless, the Committee recommends that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive develop a referral service, to other partner organisations, for those who are deemed to be homeless but who fail to secure priority need* status.
RECOMMENDATION 8
The Committee recommends that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive should, in the case of those leaving care or other institutions (such as Young Offenders’ Centres or prisons), make special arrangements to undertake assessments of housing need and support and that such assessments should be made prior to release.
4.2 A Clear and Cohesive Strategy and Action Plan
The Committee noted calls for a review of the strategy for tackling and preventing homelessness.
The Committee noted evidence, for example, which suggested that Bed & Breakfast facilities were the least cost effective means of providing temporary accommodation. The Committee concluded that there was a need for a re-assessment of the extent of homelessness and for the development of a clear and cohesive strategy and action plan which will lead to a more stable and supportive living environment for those who find themselves homeless in our society.
RECOMMENDATION 9
The Committee recommends that an integrated inter-Departmental and inter-agency approach to homelessness is developed, led and managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and that work on this should begin immediately.
RECOMMENDATION 10
The Committee further recommends that, in developing a new strategy and action plan, which should define the roles and responsibilities of each of the partner organisations, the Housing Executive should engage directly with all those organisations which are presently providing services and meeting the needs of the homeless, whether they be in the public, private or voluntary sectors.
The Committee calls on these partner organisations to consider how best to pool resources and rationalise their existing working arrangements in order to provide and operate a Homeless Service which will meet the particular needs of those they aim to serve.
RECOMMENDATION 11
The Committee recommends that the new strategy and action plan should include proposals for a common ‘Code of Practice’ for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and those partner organisations dealing with the homeless.
4.3 Inter-Agency Co-operation and Training
The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Programme for Government espouses ‘joined-up government’. The Programme for Government also acknowledges the need to address ‘homelessness’.
It is the Committee’s view that the objective of developing a new approach to address homelessness must be to meet the particular needs of all those who are genuinely homeless, therefore bringing about a dramatic and sustained reduction in the numbers presenting as homeless. It must also take sufficient steps to prevent homelessness.
The Committee commends the “Homeless Preventative Strategy” which deals with the prevention of homelessness amongst patients leaving hospital and mental health care, adult prisoners and young offenders leaving custody and young people leaving care - (published in February 2002 by the Republic of Ireland’s Departments of Health & Children, Education & Science, Justice, Equality & Law Reform and Housing & Urban Renewal) and suggests that this Report demonstrates that homelessness is, clearly, a cross-governmental issue.
RECOMMENDATION 12
The Committee recommends that the development of a new approach to addressing homelessness should be regarded, by the Northern Ireland Assembly, as an absolute necessity and an urgent priority, especially in light of initiatives such as Promoting Social Inclusion and New Targeting Social Need.
RECOMMENDATION 13
The Committee recommends that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and the partner organisations, should pursue the adoption of the highest possible training standards for those individuals dealing with the homeless.
4.4 Information Systems
The Committee noted calls for the sharing of information.
An inter-Departmental and inter-agency approach is advocated elsewhere in this Report. The Committee considers that information sharing between the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and partner organisations is a fundamental prerequisite to give effect to the proposed arrangements for such a ‘joined-up’ approach.
RECOMMENDATION 14
The Committee recommends that such information sharing between the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the partner organisations should become standard practice, but without breaching legal obligations.
The Committee considers that such an approach would, for example, help identify trends and track the levels of repeat homelessness.
RECOMMENDATION 15
The Committee recommends detailed recording of case histories.
The Committee considers this would allow for an analysis of the factors which contribute to cases of repeat homelessness and would, therefore, represent an opportunity to review individual decisions in order to secure the most appropriate solutions and enable adjustments to be made in relation to policy in this area.4.5 Out of Hours Services
The Committee recognises that some of those presenting as homeless, especially out of hours, may prefer to have initial contact with agencies or organisations other than the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. However the Committee recognises the virtue of having a ‘lead organisation’.
RECOMMENDATION 16
The Committee recommends that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive should assume the primary responsibility for co-ordinating Out of Hours Services, in association with partner organisations.
It is the Committee’s view that the development of systems (referred to at 4.4 above), in the context of an integrated inter-agency approach, should enhance the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ability to respond promptly and objectively to cases of homelessness which occur outside normal office hours, taking advice from partner organisations as appropriate and through the use of the case conferencing system advocated elsewhere in this Report.4.6 Appeals System
The Committee recognises the need for a robust and objective appeals system.
RECOMMENDATION 17
The Committee recommends the development of a simple, speedy and effective independent appeals system as part of the new strategy and action plan.
4.7 Preventative Measures
The Committee concurs with those organisations which expressed concern about the absence of a preventative strategy for homelessness.
RECOMMENDATION 18
The Committee strongly recommends that the strategy and action plan should contain measures and targets to progressively reduce the levels of homelessness.
RECOMMENDATION 19
The Committee recommends that all those classified as homeless should have access to a programme of training in lifeskills, including personal and health care, home economics and financial management.
RECOMMENDATION 20
The Committee further recommends that an information and education campaign is prepared, in association with the partner organisations and educational institutions, with the aim of increasing awareness about homelessness..
The Committee considers there may be a need for further research into the particular causes of homelessness in order to develop a comprehensive preventative strategy.4.8 Social Housing Provision
The Committee acknowledges and supports the calls for a sustained building programme of socially affordable housing.
RECOMMENDATION 21
The Committee recommends that the Minister for Social Development urgently review the policy and practice of providing ‘new-build’ social housing in order to ensure that sufficient social housing stock is both accessible and affordable throughout Northern Ireland.
RECOMMENDATION 22
The Committee also recommends the provision of specialised, transitional, supported housing units to meet local needs in, for example, rural areas, and the needs of young people and those leaving care or other institutions.
The Committee considers that the ‘foyer’ model is an example which has proved effective and may be worth replicating to meet increasing demands for supported housing. The Committee regards small (4 or 5 person) units as an ideal and manageable option.
RECOMMENDATION 23
The Committee recommends that adequate financial resources should be provided to support its recommendations and that transfers of responsibility should be matched by a transfer of resources.
5. Conclusions and Acknowledgements
It is the Committee’s view that Homelessness is a serious social and economic issue and one which must be accorded the highest possible priority. The Committee considers that it reflects poorly on our society that, for a variety of reasons, the numbers presenting as homeless continues to increase. It is the Committee’s intention to ensure that Homelessness is given a much higher profile and a sharper focus within the political context.
The Committee calls on the Executive to demonstrate political leadership and direction in promoting a ‘joined-up’ approach to dealing with, and committing resources to, the issue of homelessness.
The Committee also considers that prevention should be paramount in developing the new strategy for dealing with homelessness but that the plight of those presently experiencing homelessness, and who are vulnerable and in severe housing need, should not be overlooked.
It is evident, from the submissions which the Committee received during the course of its Inquiry, that there is a vast amount of experience, expertise, goodwill and commitment in the public and voluntary sectors and a desire to tackle the complex problems associated with homelessness.
The Committee is grateful to everyone who participated in this Inquiry and was greatly impressed with the various specific and general recommendations about improvements to services, and meeting needs, which were put forward by a range of organisations. These recommendations may be examined in detail by referencing those sections in this Report relating to “Written Submissions” and “Minutes of Evidence”.
The Committee commends all the recommendations put forward by those who gave evidence and urges the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, in undertaking the preparation of a new strategy and associated action plan, to consider these carefully before finalising its strategy.
[i] Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (N.I. 23).
[ii]
All statistics in this Report are taken from NIHE Homelessness Strategy & Services Review, unless otherwise indicated.