What we aim to do

Changes in housing conditions

The 2004 House Condition Survey has indicated a drop in unfit housing from 4.9% of Northern Ireland homes in 2001 to 3.8% in 2004. However the rate of disrepair has remained roughly the same.

Demographic changes

Demographic trends indicate an aging population, with increasing levels of houses occupied by sick and disabled people.  The demand for adaptations through the Disabled Facilities Grant will increase.  We currently spend over 25% of the Grants Budget on adaptations, with expenditure in 2006/07 estimated at £12.5m.

New housing standards

In the UK the Government has introduced the Decent Home Standard and plans to increase the percentage of private housing which meet this standard being occupied by vulnerable groups.  The Government has also introduced the Housing Health and Safety Rating System in England and Wales to replace the current fitness standard.

There is currently no target set in Northern Ireland for Decent Homes in the private sector.  Of all the homes which fail the Decent Homes Standard, 78% are in the private sector and, of these, 20% are occupied by vulnerable people.

Performance issues

The grants system is complex and difficult for applicants to manage.  The current Grants IT system, was introduced in the early 1990’s, is outdated and does not help applicants through the process.

The Review of Public Administration (RPA)

Under the RPA proposals the whole of the Grants Scheme including Group Repair is due to transfer to the new councils in April 2009.  

Visit the RPA website to find out more.