Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland is seeking the public's views on how social homes are allocated.

The Minister, delivering on a commitment set out in his housing strategy, commissioned independent research on this issue. Three research reports, prepared by the Universities of Ulster and Cambridge, have been published today and provide independent recommendations on the future of social housing allocations.

Minister McCausland commented: "The allocation of social homes is a hugely important issue and I want to have an open debate and discussion, engaging with those who are or could be seeking a home in the future, as well as those working across the housing sector.

"The proposals published today are our starting point for discussion. I am keen to hear what I know will be a wide range of views, comments and suggestions. However, I would point out that the research does suggest that housing need remains the primary factor in allocating social homes.

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"A range of stakeholders have already been consulted to get to this point, but I have asked the research team to continue this engagement and seek the views of as wide a range of people as possible. With that in mind, a series of events will be held in January and I would encourage the public to come along, hear about the proposals and offer their comments.

"In addition, the Housing Rights Service will be holding an event to seek views and I would like to thank them for playing their part in encouraging the discussion."

Welcoming the opportunity to discuss the proposals, Janet Hunter of Housing Rights Service said: "Demand for social housing greatly outstrips supply. So whilst it is good practice to carry out a health check on the current housing allocation scheme, this in itself will not result in more people being housed.

"Given the demand pressures that will continue to exist, it is vital that any new system operates on the basis of objective housing need; that the most vulnerable are protected and prioritised and that housing allocations will continue to be made under the principle of fairness and equity."

(CD/JP)