Presentation given by Brian Rowntree, Nothern Ireland Housing Executive, UK at a FEANTSA seminar on "Glocalisation of homeless policies? How local authorities can strengthen their homeless strategies through transnational cooperation" Committee of the Regions, May 2006

1. Housing Strategy:
A Solution to Homelessness
Brian Rowntree,
Chairman
Northern Ireland
Housing Executive
The Regional Housing Authority

2. About Us
Established 1971 as comprehensive housing authority
Strategic functions include:
 Examining housing need and conditions
 Drawing up programmes to meet needs
 Improving housing conditions
 Landlord of 95,000 homes
 Leading role in regeneration
 Links with range of bodies
 Statutory responsibility for Homelessness
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

3. Housing in Northern Ireland
• Population 1.65 million
• Total homes: 647,000
• Home Ownership:72%
• Housing Executive: 15%
• Private Rented: 10%
• Housing Association: 3%
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

4. Homelessness in Northern Ireland
Statutory Classification of Homelessness:
• Eligible
• Homeless
• Priority Need
• Unintentional
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

5. Homelessness: Nature of Problem
In 2005/06:
• 9,700 found to be homeless
• Single households 33%
• Family with children 43%
• Elderly households 17%
• Marital / family breakdown main reason 29%
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

6. Homeless Strategy
• “Making a Real Difference to People’s Lives”
launched September 2002
• Followed major review which found that:
• Nature of homelessness more varied and
complex
• Traditional responses inadequate
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

7. Homeless Strategy
• Multi-disciplinary team of representatives from
health, social, voluntary and housing sectors to
oversee implementation
• Strategy’s approach:
1. Planning
2. Provision
3. Prevention
4. Services
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

8. Homeless Strategy – Planning
• Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group
• Area Homeless Action plans
• Inter Agency Arrangements
• Supporting People Strategy
• Research
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

9. Homeless Strategy - Provision
• Permanent Housing
• New Build Programme
• Sectoral Strategies
• Special Purchases
• Supported Accommodation (Permanent)
• Temporary Accommodation
- supported
- unsupported
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

10. Homeless Strategy – Prevention
• Prevention Programme
• Debt Counselling
• Rent Guarantee Schemes
• Adaptations
• Learning Institutions
• Shelternet
• Community Housing Advice Project
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

11. Homeless Strategy - Services
• Multi-needs assessment
• After Hours Services
• Advice and information
• Appeals
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

12. Homeless Strategy
Key targets for Housing Executive including:
• ODPM Directive on use of B&B (families)
- Target met
• Reduce overall use of B&B by 50% by March 2006
- Achieved
• Develop Rough Sleepers Strategy
- Achieved / Being Implemented
• Assessments within 33 days for 95% of cases
- Achieved in 97% of cases
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

13. Key Challenges
• Engagement with other Government
Agencies
• Prevention Services
• Expanding Supporting People
• Temporary Accommodation Mix
• New Provision
• Engaging with young people
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

14.  “Peopledo not think of us as victims or have
any idea how tough it is to be on the streets.
People should remember - we are decent
people. Without this facility I would be dead. I
can treat it as my own place and I just love it.”
Phil from West Belfast
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority

15.  “I was rehoused close to my family and
friends and it allowed the children and me to
get back on our feet again and start a new
life without the terrible worry of debt and
homelessness.”
Julie from East Belfast
www.nihe.gov.uk The Regional Housing Authority