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Political Party Conference Season Draws to a Close

Over the past few weeks, Team NIFHA has been on the ground at the DUP, SDLP and UUP party conferences. As part of our ongoing work to develop housing policy which is best placed to support social and affordable housing, these events are invaluable opportunities to engage with key stakeholders and represent our sector’s voice in national conversations.

DUP Party Conference (20th September, La Mon Hotel & Country Club)

We launched our new “Doing Things Differently” document, which highlights the shortfall in budget allocation if we want to achieve the 2,200 new start (per year) goal set by the Department for Communities’ Housing Supply Strategy. However, this document also proposes five Policy Solutions unrelated to funding. These are:

  • Public land for new build social housing
  • Priority processing of social housing schemes in the planning system in Northern Ireland
  • Publication of TCI/HAG rates as the financial year begins
  • Prioritisation of infrastructure upgrades in areas of high housing need
  • Amending of the Design Guide for new build social housing

We had some great engagement at the DUP conference, including with the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, who has voiced his commitment to providing better quality, affordable homes.

 

SDLP Party Conference (4th October, Crowne Plaza Belfast)

We were delighted to host a compelling fringe session at the SDLP party conference in partnership with CIH titled “Somewhere to Call Home: Addressing Our Housing Needs”. Thank you to our expert panel:

  • Seamus Leheny (NIFHA CEO)
  • Carol McTaggart (Clanmil CEO, CIH Chair and NIFHA Board Member)
  • Seamus McGuckin (AIB Head of Corporate NI)

Panellists tackled key challenges and opportunities around unlocking and financing housing supply, tackling poverty and promoting wellbeing.

 

UUP Party Conference (11th October, Crowne Plaza Belfast)

We hosted another well-attended fringe session in partnership with CIH at the final party conference of the season, titled “Living Independently & Our Growing Older Population”. This discussion demonstrated how policy, planning and partnership can come together to build a future where ageing is supported, not feared. Thanks again to our panellists:

  • Cameron Watt (Alpha Housing CEO)
  • Bridie Doherty (Clanmil Housing Manager)
  • Loma Wilson (Radius Housing Director of Communities)

From supported living schemes to age-friendly adaptations, the right housing solutions can reduce pressure on our health and social care systems, delay or prevent institutional care, and foster stronger, more connected communities.

 

As well as the planned launches and sessions outlined above, conferences sparked impromptu discussions with political reps – particularly surrounding the upcoming budget review. Across all three conferences, it’s clear that social and affordable housing remains a cross-party concern, though approaches differ. Insights from these opportunities to network will guide our continued engagement with MPs, MLAs and stakeholders. If you’d like to discuss any of the issues raised, please get in touch.