To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) the remit of; (ii) the timeframe of work; and (iii) what has been achieved by the Housing Executive’s Housing Solutions Task and Finish Group.

This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive and been advised that:

“The Accommodation Solutions Task and Finish Group provides strategic oversight and direction for work strands which aim to address temporary accommodation demand and are directly referenced as actions within the Strategic Action Plan for Temporary Accommodation 2022-27.

Individual timeframes are set for specific short, medium, and long-term actions with regular updates on progress provided to the Group.

The work being taken forward by the group and across the Housing Executive includes:

engaging with Housing Associations regarding bringing their long-term voids into use as temporary accommodation.

the introduction of Houses with Multiple Occupation as a model for providing temporary accommodation.

exploring longer term leasing arrangements with accommodation providers, to provide better security of supply.

exploring options to provide an additional accommodation and support solution for complex cases in the West Area.

exploring options to acquire additional properties for use as temporary accommodation.

review exercises with customers aged over 55 in temporary accommodation.”

For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the NIHE directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.