East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA and Housing spokesperson, Andy Allen MBE, has welcomed the allocation of an additional £20 million through the June monitoring round for new social housing starts but emphasised that it is far from enough.

Mr Allen stated.

"I welcome the allocation of an additional £20 million for the delivery of social housing; however, it is nowhere near enough. Even with this additional funding, the number of new social housing starts that can be delivered with the total allocated budget will be around 600 homes. Given the growing need, this number barely scratches the surface.

“The United Kingdom is currently in the grip of a severe housing crisis, with a significant number of citizens lacking a secure home. This dire situation, marked by an alarming rise in property prices and rental costs, is forcing many into housing insecurity or even homelessness. We need to urgently reassess our response to the housing crisis in Northern Ireland. Our housing services are beyond breaking point, and without a robust plan to deliver more social and affordable homes proactively, the pressure will only increase.

“Many experiencing homelessness are being offered temporary accommodation far from their communities, severing support networks and family connections, and disrupting schooling and work. The type, availability, and location of temporary accommodation often exacerbate the challenges those already under significant stress face.

“Alongside local measures which the Department for Communities can implement to tackle homelessness and deliver an increased number of social and affordable homes, it is imperative that the Northern Ireland Executive put forward a robust case to the next UK Government to work with the devolved administrations to develop and finance a robust strategy to tackle the housing crisis across the United Kingdom.”