To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the work his Department has been undertaking to identify capital funding investment from non-government sources to support new social house builds.

New social homes are currently delivered via grant funding provided by the Department through the Housing Association Grant and private finance arranged by the Housing Associations.

My Department is supportive of any initiatives which might improve the delivery of new social or affordable housing given the significant housing need.

A two-day Strategic Insights Lab was held in June, which brought together key stakeholders to share knowledge and experience on how to increase social housing delivery in the current challenging environment. I am considering a number of recommendations which will form part of an action plan to be taken forward. A number of these recommendations include proposals on funding methods which will be given further consideration and require engagement with the relevant stakeholders.