A freeze in Northern Ireland Housing Executive rents has been announced for 2022/23.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey unveiled the measure to support residents who face soaring fuel and household bills.

This announcement comes shortly after the Minister announced a £200 payment to support 280,000 eligible people in meeting their energy costs.

Speaking after the recent announcement, Minister Hargey said: "I have set out the biggest reform of social housing in 50 years. At the heart of this is the revitalisation of the Housing Executive. I am committed to that agenda as it is all about delivering better outcomes for tenants including improving the quality of their homes.  Right now, tenants need security and a freeze in their rents will provide a bit of stability on an important housing cost in an uncertain climate."

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The rent freeze applies only to Housing Executive tenants. The Minister called on Housing Associations to also consider the financial pressures tenants are facing when considering their rent levels.

The Minister added: "Every household, including all those across the social housing sector, are facing unprecedented living costs. While I appreciate rent levels are an issue for each Housing Association Board, I would call on them to be mindful of the times we are in when considering rent levels."