‘Free’ social housing need not be high-spec, says councillor
Housing Executive confirms design guide is under review by central government
HOUSEHOLDERS occupying social housing “for free” should be required to accept lower quality, mass built homes.
That was one way of addressing the housing crisis afflicting Causeway Coast and Glens, suggested by a councillor last week. The idea was proposed by DUP Councillor John McAuley following a presentation from Housing Executive officials in the council chamber on Tuesday.
And in response, it was revealed that central government is indeed considering the design standards operated by the housing associations that actually build social housing schemes.
“That is something that is being considered,” said NIHE’s Director of Corporate Services, David Moore. “There’s a standard that housing associations have to work to. That standard is being reviewed. Not by us, but it is being reviewed.”
See the full story in this week’s Coleraine Chronicle.