Fermanagh and Omagh District Councilors briefed on Housing Executive plans

Grainia Long, Housing Executive Chief Executive, outlined the organisation’s investment commitments to local councillors at the annual Housing Investment Plan update tonight (November 18, 2024).

Investment in Housing Executive properties through planned maintenance and stock improvements decreased from £6.57m in 2022/23 to £3.67m during 2023/24. 

An increase is planned for 2025, with a proposed spend of £7.27m on planned maintenance and stock improvements across the district. 

Last year, we invested £21.7m specifically on energy efficiency improvement measures across our homes with plans to sustain this investment during 2024/25.  

At the meeting, Grainia Long said:“Whilst we are pleased that we have been increasing investment in improving our own homes over the last year and will continue to do so in 2024/25, the current budgetary environment is presenting challenges for other housing provision and services. 

“You will see clearly in our Housing Investment Plan update, the adverse impact the proposed budget will have on housing output in 2024/25 – particularly in the reduction in the number of new build social homes we can commission across all council areas.

“It is especially concerning that we may not be able to fully fund many of the programmes needed by so many households; such as homelessness prevention and Affordable Warmth. 

“These programmes are part of the services we provide as the Strategic Housing Authority. 

“We worked hard to support the most vulnerable in our communities with £4.98m invested through the Supporting People programme to fund 53 services provided by partner organisations across the district. 

“This investment provided housing support to 940 people last year.

“Across the District, 501 people who presented as homeless were accepted for support last year - while we face real budgetary challenges in this area our focus on prevention and early intervention will continue.”

Building cohesive, thriving and supportive communities across the district remained a key area of focus in the investment plan for 2024/25.

Ms Long continued: “We were able to support local communities with £34k funding through our community grants, community safety and community cohesion programmes. 

“We recognise the importance of inclusion and good relations in helping people sustain their tenancies and build strong communities.

“We know this is more important than ever when we continue to face challenges in the housing sector with ongoing demand for social housing and homelessness services.

“Last year, there was continued investment in new-build homes in the district, with 147 housing association units on-site at March 2024, and 21 housing completions for the year. 

“Budget constraints means that the new-build home programme for the coming year will fall considerably short of our targets, once more widening the gap between housing demand and supply. 

“It is vital that we continue to work in partnership with councils and the housing sector to find solutions.       

“In addition to investing in homes and communities in 2023/24, we are also pleased to have been able to support the economic future of Fermanagh and Omagh with a steady, positive impact on employment and local supply chains”.

“Looking ahead to next year there is no doubt that we have challenges to overcome however we remain fully committed to the objectives set out in our Housing Investment Plan 2023 -26.

“Despite these challenges, delivery of our housing objectives is key to the social, economic and environmental benefits of Fermanagh and Omagh.     

“Partnerships established with local council remain crucial and I am looking forward to further close working as we strive to deliver against our shared goal of providing better places to live for the people and communities we serve.”