More than 1,000 people are on the waiting list for social housing in Antrim, according to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Meeting with the local council, the Housing Executive insisted it was satisfied with the ongoing provision of new social housing, but did express concerns over growing waiting lists.

The Housing Executive's Colm McCaughley said this was a problem being experienced across Northern Ireland.

Mr McCaughley, Director of Housing and Regeneration, said: "Waiting list trends for social housing show an increasing number of applicants registered on the waiting list over the past five years and a decreasing number of allocations of social housing."

"At the end of 2007, the number of applicants on the waiting list was 38,346, an increase of over 4,000 on the previous year. The number in housing stress also increased from 18,701 to 20,695," he explained.

-- Advertisement --

A primary concern for the Executive is the aging population in the Province, which is reflected in its figures.

The Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, has pledged that housing would remain a priority for her department and stated the Housing Executive would be central in addressing these strategic issues.

However, there is good news according to Mr McCaughley: "Considerable progress has been made in improving the condition of Housing Executive stock, with 75 per cent meeting the Decent Homes Standard.

"We will continue with a programme of activity to realise capital from surplus assets, but with a turbulent housing and land market this may not be easy."

"It will therefore be essential to continue to put the case for additional funding to deliver all of our programmes and hopefully 'in-year bids' will be successful," he said.

Noting the current "challenging period", Mr McCaughley said: "We will continue to work with the Minister, the Northern Ireland Assembly and local Councillors to ensure that housing remains a priority."

See: Derry Social Housing Situation Worst Since 1970's

(PR/JM)