Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has approved additional funding of up to £15million to ensure stability in the social housing construction sector following recent volatility in the costs of materials.
![Minister Hargey sitting at her desk Minister Hargey sitting at her desk](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/communities/news/dfc-Minister%20Causeway%20desk%20photo.jpg?itok=WFBMy9On×tamp=1665402883)
Minister Hargey has stated that building more social homes, to the areas they are needed, is a priority as she works to address housing stress through the biggest reform of social housing in 50 years.
Minister Hargey said:
“I have increased the support available to Housing Associations who are working with the construction sector to build new homes. This will take into account the increased costs affecting contractors through the unprecedented upsurge in material costs across the industry in recent months. This support is vital to ensure that we build more homes where they are needed.”
The Minister made the decision to approve additional Housing Association Grant to ensure the continued delivery of new social housing. Additional funding will be provided both for schemes which have started and schemes which are due to start in the coming months. The Housing Executive will now work with Housing Associations to establish the overall impact of these costs which may be up to £15m.
The Minister continued:
“These measures will help address the concerns raised by the sector in relation to the recent volatility in construction costs. My priority is that the cost increases over recent months will not have an adverse effect on the number of new social homes delivered this year.
“Tackling housing stress is a priority for me and this increase is one step in achieving that.”
Notes to editors:
- Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on email.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- Follow us on twitter @CommunitiesNI
Latest news
- Minister announces funding for Public Realm Scheme in Glengormley 21 August 2024
- Communities Minister visits iconic Gracehill following UNESCO award 15 August 2024
- Lyons pays tribute to frontline housing staff following hate crime incidents 15 August 2024
- Find your link to local heritage during European Heritage Open Days 2024 14 August 2024