The Housing Executive is to invest £26.18 million in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon housing.

A housing plan was outlined in a meeting with the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Approximately £16.9m will be spent on planned and response maintenance to homes, including outside maintenance work to 1,802 homes, heating installations in 600 homes, kitchen replacements in 499 homes and double glazing in 199 homes.

Staff gave a presentation on the Housing Investment Plan (HIP) to local councillors.

Speaking at the presentation, Siobhan McCauley, HE Director of Regional Services said: "Our Housing Investment Plan was informed by a range of stakeholders and developed as a comprehensive conversation piece for the whole housing sector in Northern Ireland.  

"The Housing Executive has a good working relationship with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and it is important this continues.  

"As the strategic housing authority for Northern Ireland, we have prepared this Housing Investment Plan to inform the Community Planning Partnership on the state of the housing market; on housing needs; the policy priorities and public sector investment proposals for 2015-19.  

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"Lots of work needs to be done to meet housing need, to improve housing stock and to provide support for the most vulnerable in our community. We will continue to play our part to ensure this work is delivered efficiently and effectively."

During 2018/21, in partnership with housing associations, around 107 new homes are planned throughout the Borough.    

HE Regional Manager for the South Region, Comghal McQuillan added: "Our South Regional teams provide a high quality, dedicated housing service to the area.  

"Working alongside our Customer Services Unit, Accounts and Housing Benefit teams, we provide our tenants and the wider community with an effective and efficient service.

"We are committed to investing in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, to improve the lives of people in our community.

"My thanks are extended to the Councillors and Officers of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for their support for the Housing Executive - we look forward to continuing to work with them on matters of mutual interest, over the coming year."

The presentation also highlighted the achievements made throughout Northern Ireland over the past year.

The HE channelled some £82.3m into services to help the most vulnerable, which included £9.5m on homelessness and £72.8m through its Supporting People Programme.

In addition, there was a large planned maintenance programme, with work undertaken at 23,093 homes; a direct investment of £118.4m to these homes.  

Homeowners and private landlords also received considerable support, with £13.97m spent through grants and over £18.8m in tackling fuel poverty.

Next year, the HE plans to invest almost £2.92m on stock improvements and adaptations for persons with a disability.  

(CM/MH)