NICVA responds to Homelessness Strategy

Budgets at both government and household level are being squeezed more than ever.  Households, families and individuals face tough times and as a society we face the very real possibility that a greater number of us will have to confront the spectre of homelessness. 

With that in mind, not only is this consultation timely, it is also necessary if we are to be willing, prepared and able to help those members of our society that will need it most.

On the Homelessness Strategy Lisa McElherron, Head of Public Affairs at NICVA said:

“The focus of this strategy should be about doing as much as possible to prevent homelessness. NICVA’s 2011 Policy Manifesto, which was developed in close conjunction with our members in the housing sector, has a host of positive ideas for solutions to issues relating to homelessness, such as the creation of a mortgage rescue scheme and robust regulation for the private rented sector. 

"We look forward to hearing more from NIHE on how it plans to put the Homelessness Strategy into action. Because action on these issues is needed now more than ever before.”

Four strategic objectives

NICVA supports the overarching vision of the Strategy that 'long term homelessness and rough sleeping can be eliminated across Northern Ireland’.  We also support the four strategic objectives outlined in the Strategy:

• to place homelessness prevention at the forefront of service delivery;
• to reduce the length of time households experience homelessness by improving access to affordable housing;
• to remove the need to sleep rough and;
• to improve services to vulnerable homeless households.

While welcoming the ideals and content of much of the Strategy, the document would be much stronger if it set out specific targets and deadlines for key stakeholders to meet throughout the lifetime of the Strategy.  The Strategy lacks policy detail and also information outlining specific, measurable actions.

Most of our concerns are not about what has been included, but rather about what has not.  Homelessness is about much more than a lack of accommodation. Much wider problems contribute, involving debt, ill health, poor mental health, poverty, education – the list is endless, as is the list of departments and agencies responsible.  If we are to tackle this issue then much more focus and attention must be paid to agencies, departments and organisations outside of the Housing Executive whose input is essential if we are to truly make progress.

Cross-departmental commitment

NICVA would particularly like information on how the required cross departmental ‘buy in’ might be achieved and monitored.  Commitment must be sought from all government departments to implement any homelessness strategy.  We would also like further discussion on what role community and voluntary groups who are already working very effectively in this field can play in delivering the strategy.

NICVA is hopeful that the introduction of this Strategy can encourage government and society to truly tackle the issue of homelessness; that this document can begin the debate as to how we can formulate an effective cross government strategy.

A copy of NICVA’s response to the Homelessness Strategy can be downloaded below along with NICVA’s Policy Manifesto 2011.