A total of 6% of all social housing new build developments will be set aside for individuals with complex needs, the Department of Communities has confirmed.

SDLP Housing spokesperson Nichola Mallon welcomed the announcement.

She said: "There are over 450 households across the north, over 100 in Belfast alone, who are waiting, many for several years on the housing waiting list. As a result of the acute shortage of suitable wheelchair accessible accommodation, these families are left trapped in unsuitable properties with no light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen for myself, working with families in this situation in North Belfast, how their physical and mental health suffers as a result.

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"I welcome this policy change. The benefits won't be felt by families for a few years until these schemes are built but this compulsory target will bring much needed relief to those with complex needs because they are being failed by a housing system that isn't building the number of suitable homes these families need."

(CD/LM)