£100m earmarked for social housing in draft budget
The Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) is proposing to double the Department for Communities’ capital budget allocation for next year.
In its draft budget last week, the executive allocated £270m for the department, which oversess housing, along with other areas including social security, employment services and culture, sports and leisure.
The amount is double the £133.4m allocated to the department last year. The executive has earmarked £100m specifically for social housing in 2025/26.
Justin Cartwright, national director at Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland said: “We welcome the allocation of £270 million in capital funding to the Department for Communities in the 2025/26 budget.
”This significant investment provides a crucial foundation for increased new social housing provision, addressing the urgent need for affordable homes across Northern Ireland.
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“While challenges remain, this funding presents a valuable opportunity to build upon the progress made this year. The increased allocation compared to the initial 2024/25 allocation demonstrates a commitment to tackling the housing crisis.”
Cartwright said the CIH is calling for the investment to “be focused on delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of diverse communities.”
A consultation on the draft budget will run until 13 March.
Last month Northern Ireland’s Department of Communities announced the publication of its Housing Supply Strategy, which has received Executive endorsement.
The 15-year framework seeks to provide 100,000 homes by 2039, with one-third designated for social housing.
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