To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for an update on the number of new social homes required in each local council area; and (ii) to detail the number of applications for social housing that have been refused by the Housing Executive in each local council area in (a) 2022; (b) 2023; and (c) 2024 to date.

This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows.

“The table below provides projected social housing need, i.e. the number of new homes required over the 5 year period 2023-28 to meet identified social housing need, in each Council area.

The Housing Executive engages with housing associations at an early stage in the site identification process and assess every new build proposal against the 5-year projected need for the area and on the suitability of the location and the type and mix of housing proposed. Those schemes which have been supported are then assessed for inclusion on the 3-year Social Housing Development Programme to ensure they are capable of meeting identified housing need and to ensure they meet Housing Association Guide Standards. All schemes are programmed in line with strategic guidelines and availability of grant funding.

There are cases where it is not possible to support a housing association proposal due to a lack of evidenced housing need, unsuitability of location e.g. outside development limits, or where there are sufficient supported, programmed and on-site schemes to meet projected need. Such issues are normally raised at a very early stage in the process to avoid nugatory investigative work on the part of the association. At this stage the communication is generally informal, by email or telephone, and these discussions are not recorded in a manner which can be readily quantified.”

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