Northern Ireland's housing needs, issues and policy were at the heart of political debate yesterday, 18 April, as candidates from the five main parties contesting the Assembly Elections attended a special Housing Hustings in Belfast.

Organised by the National House-Building Council (NHBC) in association with the Chartered Institute of Housing and Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, the event enabled representatives from the housing industry - including builders, architects, social housing providers, building suppliers, housing associations and other key public and private housing stakeholders - to hear Alliance, DUP, SDLP, Sinn Fein and Ulster Unionist candidates outline their party's housing priorities and quiz them ahead of the 5 May Stormont election.

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"We were delighted to host this event with candidates from all five of the main political parties," said David Little, NHBC Regional Director Northern Ireland.

"Housing, both socially and economically is critical to the future of Northern Ireland and Housing Hustings provided a valuable opportunity for the industry to hear each of the party's plans for this crucial policy area.

"The housing agenda is important to so many areas of life here. It is an integral part of the strategy on a Shared Future, while the economic consequences of the housing market, as well as tenant rights, rural housing needs and rating reform are issues key to the industry both now and in the future."

Mr Little concluded: "It has been highly beneficial for key stakeholders to assess where the parties stand on a wide range of housing issues, so that they can hold them to account when the new Northern Ireland Executive is formed."

(CD/BMcC)