Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017 Geography of Ards and North Down Borough Council

Ards and North Down Borough Council is divided into seven district electoral areas Contents

Foreword 3 Introduction 5 Vision 5 HIP themes and outcomes 5 The HIP and the Community Plan 6 The HIP and the Local Development Plan 6 Context 7 Strategic Context 7 Local Context 11 Update on resources/budget 13 Progress Report 13 Theme One: Identify and meet housing need and demand 15 Theme Two: Improving people’s homes 23 Theme Three: Transforming people’s lives 27 Theme Four: Enabling sustainable neighbourhoods 31 Theme Five: Delivering quality services 37 Appendices 39 Appendix 1: Community Planning Themes and Outcomes 39 Appendix 2: Social Housing Need by settlement 2016/21 40 Appendix 3: Social Housing Development Programme 41 Appendix 4: Maintenance and Grants programme 44 Appendix 5: Management Team contact details 47 Appendix 6: Glossary 48

This document is available in alternative formats. Contact: Land and Regeneration (Housing Analytics), The Housing Centre, 2 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8PB Tel: 03448 920 900 Fax: (028) 9031 8775 Textphone: 0845 6504381 Email: [email protected] www.nihe.gov.uk

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1 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

37,611 86,069 applicants were on the housing waiting homes managed by the Housing Executive list at 31 March 2017

367,412 23,694 repairs were carried out at a cost of £41.9m, of these classified as being in housing stress which equates to approximately four repairs per dwelling 11,488 housing applicants were deemed to be homeless after investigation £511 £ the average amount we spent on each dwelling for repairs 4,740 approvals were issued to private households to assist with insulation and heating measures through the Affordable Warmth Scheme £107.3m invested in over 23,000 homes 1,604 new homes were started through the Housing Executive’s Social Housing 7,970 Development Programme social homes were allocated last year

19,060 £336m housing support places were provided to assist the we collected 99.87% of rent and rates on our most vulnerable citizens in our local community £ properties

1,070 Disabled Facilities Grants were approved 500 to the value of approximately £11.3m community groups worked in partnership with us through the Housing Community Network 668 mandatory Repair Grants were approved 0.31% lettable voids continue to remain low, with only 0.31% of our stock vacant £671m paid out in Housing Benefit payments £ 61,263 £ claims for Housing Benefit assessed and 510,831 changes made to existing claims £860,000 awarded through our Social Housing Enterprise (SHE) Strategy, with 99 schemes 61 supported and 25 new initiatives created jobs created or supported by SHE initiatives

2 Foreword

In 2015 we published our four year relationships and also to benefit Housing Investment Plans (HIP). These from collaboration and the sharing plans identified housing-related desired of information. The HIP has been outcomes, and were intended to initiate instrumental in this process. discussions with councils and other Close working with stakeholders, and stakeholders in order to develop a shared our role in the Community Plan are key vision for the future of housing in each elements in the Housing Executive’s council area. ‘Journey to Excellence’ programme, Last year we published our first HIP which aims to deliver top class housing annual update, and now we are and regeneration solutions that meet the publishing the second annual update. needs of communities and partners, now This update reports on the progress of the and in the future. Housing Executive and other agencies to We look forward in 2017 to developing achieve the intended outcomes, and on further our relationships with councils how we plan to deliver housing ambitions and other stakeholders through the over the remaining two years of the HIP, various planning and Community and the longer term. Planning processes to build lasting In 2015, new powers were given to housing solutions that benefit the local councils, including responsibility whole community. for planning and a duty to produce a Community Plan. The Housing Executive, as a statutory partner in planning and Community Planning, has engaged with the new Local Development Plan (LDP) and Community Planning teams, other statutory partners and community representatives. Joint working throughout the last Professor Peter Roberts year has enabled us to develop strong Interim Chair

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4 Introduction

In 2015, the Housing Executive The annual update retains the HIP Themes and Outcomes published the Ards and North Down framework based around five themes and Housing Investment Plan (HIP) 2015-19, associated outcomes. Detailed information THEME ONE which aims to provide a long term and of proposals is set out in the Appendices. Identify and meet housing need ambitious vision for the development All statistics in this document refer to the and demand of housing. This is the second annual Ards and North Down Borough Council 1. Identify new housing update which records progress of unless otherwise stated. requirements. actions set out in the HIP for 2015-19, HIP update 2016-17, and details new 2. Increase the supply of affordable proposals for 2017-19. The annual Vision renting to meet the needs of communities. update should be read in conjunction The housing sector throughout Northern with the HIP 2015-19. Ireland faces a number of challenges 3. Assist home ownership. This annual update will not only show in the current economic climate but is THEME TWO how the actions contribute to achieving committed to working in a way that Improving people’s homes the HIP outcomes but also how they can goes beyond a simple ‘bricks and mortar’ 4. Improve the quality of the housing support the delivery of the emerging approach. The housing vision for Ards stock. Ards and North Down Community Plan and North Down is one where: outcomes. 5. Develop low carbon homes and reduce fuel poverty. The HIP sets out a strategic direction “housing plays its part in for housing across all tenures, both new creating a peaceful, inclusive, THEME THREE and existing. Proposals detailed within Transforming people’s lives prosperous and fair society…” this annual update seek to achieve this 6. Provide suitable accommodation by promoting development, improving This vision for Ards and North and support services for health and wellbeing, reducing vulnerable residents. inequality, and by creating more Down seeks to deliver sustainable cohesive, safe, vibrant and successful communities, living in dwellings of 7. Homelessness is prevented or is places for all. a decent standard and in sufficient addressed effectively. numbers to meet local needs in both THEME FOUR Since the publication of the HIP, the urban and rural areas. Housing Executive, as a statutory Enabling sustainable Community Planning and Local neighbourhoods Development Plan (LDP) partner, has HIP Themes and Outcomes 8. Regenerate neighbourhoods. welcomed the opportunity to work Success for housing providers with the Council and stakeholders to 9. Create safer and cohesive necessitates measuring the effect of incorporate and embed the HIP vision communities. interventions therefore, under each of and outcomes within Community THEME FIVE the five themes, a number of outcomes Planning and LDP processes. Delivering Quality Services have been identified. With limited and reduced public 10. Deliver better services. resources, the partnership approach, which the Community Plan facilitates, will become increasingly important to deliver good quality services and housing solutions for local communities.

5 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

The HIP and the Community Plan The HIP and the Local Development Plan Ards and North Down’s Strategic Community Planning Partnership have The Ards and North Down Local been preparing a Community Plan. Development Plan (LDP) will replace the corresponding parts of the Belfast The Big Plan is ambitious and takes an Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (North all-inclusive approach to achieving five Down District) and the Ards and Down main outcomes for Ards and North Down Area Plan 2015 (Ards District). by 2032. The final plan was published in April 2017 and leads into delivery plans The LDP will influence housing The Big Plan focusing on the five main outcomes development in Ards and North Down under the themes of environmental, Borough Council for 15 years. It will be social and economic wellbeing. A review the main vehicle for assessing future date of April 2019 has been set when a housing land requirements. progress report will be published. The Local Government Act (NI) 2014 Community Planning Outcomes Following extensive consultation with introduced a statutory link between the community and Community Plan the Councils Community Plan and the All people in Ards and North Down partners, the adjacent outcomes were LDP. It is therefore important that the 1. Fulfil their lifelong potential. agreed. Community Plan and HIP themes and outcomes be taken into account in the Housing has a key role in this process 2. Enjoy good health and wellbeing. preparation of the LDP. and can contribute to achieving many 3. Live in communities where they of these outcomes. Housing can have The Statement of Community are respected, are safe and feel a positive effect on lifelong potential, Involvement is issued in draft, public secure. health and wellbeing, community safety, consultation about the draft statement 4. Benefit from a prosperous economy. community cohesion, economic growth closed in the summer of 2016. and environmental sustainability. 5. Feel pride from having access Housing allocations will be determined by: The HIP themes are complementary to a well-managed sustainable • Housing Growth Indicators (HGIs); environment. to many of the Community Planning outcomes. Each action under the • Allowance of existing commitments; HIP themes can contribute to the • Urban capacity studies; achievement of Community Planning actions. In addition, actions contained • Housing Needs Assessment; within the HIP often contribute to • Allowance for windfall housing sites; more than one Community Plan action. and This annual update has aligned our • Residual housing need. housing outputs against the appropriate Community Planning outcomes identified The LDP has an important role to fulfil in in the Community Plan. terms of the allocation of new housing across the Council area.

6 Context The draft Programme for Housing Benefit Changes Government (PfG) A number of changes have impacted Strategic Context The draft PfG contains 14 high level Housing Benefit since September 2016: outcomes, and 48 indicators. While • Backdating rules have been amended The HIP annual update has been our work supports many of the for working aged claimants; developed within the context of the outcomes in the draft PfG, there is no Northern Ireland policy framework. specific ‘housing outcome’ included. • Family premium has been removed Nevertheless, housing and many other for new claimants or existing elements of the work of the Housing claimants who start a family or have The White Paper, ‘Fixing Our Broken Executive are cross-cutting, especially a break in claim; Housing Market’ in relation to place-making and help • Temporary absence rules have been The new housing strategy for England achieve many of these PfG outcomes. introduced from 30 January 2017, was launched for consultation in Our investment plans and activities, as reducing the period claimants can be February 2017. The White Paper unveils set out in this Plan, illustrate how and absent from their home; plans to change focus from Starter where our plans can contribute directly Homes to building a wider range of and indirectly to the delivery to not only • Social Sector Size Criteria was affordable homes. local Councils’ Community Plans, but introduced on 20 February 2017 for also many of the overall PfG outcomes. social housing tenants who have The Government will also consult on more bedrooms than their household a standardised calculation of housing requires; and demand to force councils to produce Welfare Changes ‘realistic’ local plans. The White Paper • From 11 May 2017, restrictions outlines plans that will see builders Changes to the benefits system in will apply in the assessment of given two years to start developing sites Northern Ireland for working age Housing Benefit, limiting dependent after planning permission is granted, claimants came into effect with the premiums to 2 children, unless in rather than three; a presumption in introduction of the Welfare Reform exceptional cases. favour of development on brownfield Order (NI) 2015 on 10 December 2015. Universal Credit is due to be introduced land and an aspiration for high density Each of the changes has had an impact in September 2017, with a phased housing in areas of limited land on the Housing Executive with the implementation for roll-out across NI availability. All of these issues and the key changes being Benefit Cap, Social by September 2018. Universal Credit proposed approaches may also shape Sector Size Criteria (sometimes referred will replace a number of working age thinking in Northern Ireland. to as ‘Bedroom Tax’), Housing Benefit benefits, including Housing Benefit. changes and freezing of the Local A Rates Rebate replacement project Housing Allowance. will also be effective from September 2017, led by LPS, for those claimants The Northern Ireland Executive has put in moving to Universal Credit who require place arrangements to provide financial assistance with payment of Rates support for people impacted by some of charges as a separate application to LPS the changes to the welfare system. will be required. The Housing Executive is working closely with the Department for Communities (DfC) to provide advice and assistance to tenants and housing applicants who are likely to be impacted by these welfare changes.

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The Homelessness Strategy has five objectives

Secure sustainable accommodation Ensure the right mechanisims are in place and appropriate support solutions to oversee and deliver this strategy

Prioritise Further understand and Measure and monitor existing and homelessness address the complexities of emerging need to inform ongoing prevention chronic homelessness development of appropriate services

Ending Homelessness Together

Homelessness Strategy Delivery Strategy In line with our statutory duty, the Social Housing Development Programme Housing Executive published a new (SHDP) delivery targets have been Homelessness Strategy in April 2017. consistently met over the past ten The Homelessness Strategy 2017-22 years through strong partnership has a vision of ‘Ending Homelessness working between DfC, Housing Together’ and this vision is reflective Executive, housing associations and of our engagement with the sector Northern Ireland Federation of Housing in the development of this Strategy. Associations (NIFHA). However, This engagement and a statutory there remain a number of significant consultation noted the need for statutory challenges, and it was recognised that and voluntary agencies to work with a new strategy was required in order the Housing Executive to prevent to overcome some of the barriers to homelessness and address issues successful long-term delivery of new arising from homelessness. social and affordable housing. Each objective has associated short, In response, following a process of medium and long term key milestones detailed consultation and engagement, that are outlined in the document. The the SHDP Delivery Strategy was Homelessness Strategy 2017-22 is on produced. The key objectives of the the Housing Executive website at Strategy are: http://www.nihe.gov.uk/northern_ • More sustainable neighbourhoods ireland_homelessness_strategy.pdf through effective place shaping within Community Planning; It is accepted by government that homelessness is a cross-cutting issue • Reformed delivery of social and and the Strategy will therefore be affordable housing to create a more supported by a Cross Departmental flexible and responsive system; Action Plan led by the DfC which will • 8,000 new social housing units and outline key actions that will enable at least 2,800 new affordable homes collaborative working across government delivered, over a four year period to to improve the lives of homeless clients 2020 (subject to available funding), across Northern Ireland. to meet housing need and demand.

8 An action plan was developed as part of • Regulatory Framework for Social the Strategy and it will be implemented Housing Providers; and between 2017 and 2020 in order to bring • Engagement of the housing system about an enhanced delivery system for with local government. new social and affordable housing. The Review of the Social Housing Allocation Policy by DfC is underway and House Condition Survey 2016 any proposals for change will be subject The House Condition Survey 2016 is to public consultation. The Housing progressing. Work has completed on Executive continues to work closely with fieldwork, translation, validation and DfC to progress this review. analysis of the data. A preliminary report DfC commenced the Review of the Role was published 30 March 2017 and is and Regulation of the Private Rented available on the Housing Executive Sector (PRS) in November 2015. The website. Modelling work has been aim of the review is to consider the procured and began in May 2017. The full current and potential future role of the report is due to be published early 2018. sector and assess the effectiveness of current regulation, identifying where improvements can be made to help make Facing the Future: The Housing Strategy HMO Bill the PRS a more attractive housing option. for Northern Ireland Action Plan Update The HMO Bill received Royal Assent in A public consultation was launched 2015 May 2016 and this legislation provides in January 2017 with a number of powers for Councils to develop and proposals including: implement HMO Licensing Schemes. • Restriction of the number of times rent It is anticipated that this area of In 2017/18, the Housing Executive is can be increased in a 12 month period; responsibility will be transferred to committed to carrying out a review of Councils by April 2018. The Housing • Introduce a minimum notice to policy and procedure for identifying Executive is fully committed to working quit period from four weeks to two hidden rural housing need, examining the with the Councils and DfC to ensure this months; and potential to increase housing association transition is facilitated. • Introduce a regulatory framework for involvement in the process. It is hoped letting agents. that this partnership approach will Housing Strategy ‘Facing the Future’ encourage more people to come forward and may also broaden the scope to Rural In September 2015, an action plan include an examination of the demand for update was published, setting out The Housing Executive provides a range affordable/mixed tenure housing. progress on 33 actions emanating from of services tailored specifically for those the Housing Strategy, the majority of living or wanting to live in rural areas. which are on track for delivery by 2017. Asset Management Strategy In 2016, the Housing Executive launched The action plan sets out ongoing ‘Sustainable Rural Communities’, the The Housing Executive’s new Asset implementation of the Social Housing refreshed Rural Strategy & Action Management Strategy was approved in Reform Programme and policy proposals Plan 2016-2020, which is aimed at early 2016. The Strategy adopts an ‘active to include: identifying the housing needs of rural asset management approach’ in which • A social housing rent policy; communities and working with housing investment decisions are based on the providers, councils, public bodies and performance of the stock in supporting • Tenant Participation Strategy; rural stakeholders to ensure that where the Housing Executive’s business plan possible, needs are addressed. and its landlord objectives.

9 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

In the past year, the Housing Executive Tower Block Strategy estimate for NI 2012-2025 is 94,000, has been assessing its stock using approximately 7,200 per annum. The Housing Executive has prepared a the work carried out by Savills in the strategy for its 32 tower blocks as part DfC/Housing Executive Joint Asset of its overarching Asset Management Commission in 2014/15. The Strategy Together Building United Strategy. This strategy determined that also includes a new investment standard Communities (TBUC) option appraisals should be carried out - the Commonly Adopted Standard - as the for each block given the various issues The Housing Executive continues to basis for investment in the modernisation around investment needs, management work with housing associations to fulfil and maintenance of our housing stock. and maintenance costs and housing the NI Executive ambition to deliver ten The Housing Executive has been carrying demand. A report on these appraisals new build shared housing schemes as out work to develop a new 10 Year was presented to the Housing Executive’s part of the TBUC programme: Investment Plan based on the principles Board for consideration at its meeting in • Ravenhill Road, Belfast (Apex) - set out in the Strategy. However, future November 2016. completed December 2014; funding is uncertain and much will depend The Board requested that officers • Ravenhill Avenue, Belfast (Fold) - on the outcome of the Social Housing develop a comprehensive action plan for completed October 2016; Reform Programme delivering a way each tower by August 2017. However, forward that will secure sufficient funding following the fire in Grenfell Tower in to meet our stock’s investment needs. London, the development of this plan will now be put on hold until the Housing Executive has had the opportunity to consider any preliminary findings from investigations into the fire and any Home Energy potential implications arising from these. Conservation Authority 20th Progress Report 2016 Home Energy Conservation Authority (HECA) • Crossgar Road, Saintfield (Choice) - The Housing Executive has released completed January 2016; the 20th progress report which records • Burn Road, Cookstown (Fold) - the key outputs by the organisation, completed December 2016; and other agencies, in improving the • Felden, Newtownabbey (Clanmil) - energy efficiency of housing in Northern completed March 2017; Ireland. In the past year, the Housing Executive invested over £21m for heating • Antrim Road, Ballynahinch (Choice) - conversions in their homes and invested a expected to complete October 2017; further £8m on innovative schemes under • Market Road, Ballymena (Choice) the NI Sustainable Energy Programme. - expected to complete November 2017; • Main Street, Dundrum (Clanmil) - Housing Growth Indicators (HGIs) expected to complete February 2018; HECA Report 2016 HGIs are estimates of new dwelling • Dromore Street, Banbridge (Clanmil) requirements based on new household - expected to complete June 2018; projections. In 2016, the Department • The Embankment, Belfast (Clanmil) - for Infrastructure (DfI) realigned started January 2017. HGIs for Northern Ireland, based on 2012 household figures. The current

10 Local Context sector provides employment for 36% The Ulster University’s Private Rental of the workforce with the hospitality Market Research Report (July - and service sectors providing 27% December 2016) shows that the average Ards and North Down Council area is of jobs. The sectors of retail and monthly rent in Ards and North Down known for its rich diversity of scenic wholesale continue to be important to during the second half of 2016 was countryside and extends from Holywood the local economy as does the tourism £613, significantly above the NI average on the shores of Belfast Lough, to industry which is flourishing, providing of £579, and exceeded only by Belfast Portaferry on the southern tip of the 12% of jobs. Within the council area City Council area. Rental transactions Ards Peninsula, and Killinchy to the there are more people employed in for the second half of 2016 were 1,105 west of Strangford Lough. The Council professional and managerial sectors demonstrating that the Council area has 8.6% of NI’s population located than the Northern Ireland average. has the largest rental market outside of over an area of 228 square miles and Local economic performance affects the Belfast. approximately 115 miles of coastline. capacity for development in the private Terrace/townhouse properties represent sector housing market. Ards and North Down Borough Council the largest proportion of rented properties has been in operation since the 1 April at 35% in LGD’s outside Belfast. 2015. The council area offers many beautiful urban and rural locations, ease Owner Occupied Sector In Ards and North Down, average rent for terrace/townhouses was £552 per of access to Belfast, an established House prices have increased to £185,077 month, the third most expensive council tourism infrastructure, a flourishing arts in Ards and North Down over the past area, behind Belfast and Lisburn and scene and specialist business support year, which is considerably higher than Castlereagh. The private rented sector services for all sectors. the Northern Ireland average of £154,028. continues to occupy a key position However, since early 2014, house price This section summarises the Ards and within the Council residential market. North Down housing market and issues change has been one of relative stability. Local estate agents have indicated that that have potential to affect its future Market opinion with the majority of key drivers affecting the PRS in the development. estate agents found that the number of Council area include: enquiries and sales had improved upon the previous quarter and any anticipated • high demand for private rental Housing Market Update shock wave over the Brexit referendum especially within town centres; had been exaggerated in the short term. On 23 June 2015, the population of • the majority of private rental The wariness of an unpredictable market Ards and North Down was estimated properties are owned by individuals; to be 158,797 persons, representing was expressed by most agents. • turnover in private rental properties 9% of the Northern Ireland total. The The Council area has a HGI projected is high and rapid; population is projected to grow by 2.7% new dwelling requirement for 2012-2025 by 2025, with this gradual increase of 7,100. This data will inform the Ards • job and income uncertainty; concentrated in the 65 plus age group. and North Down community and Local • continuing need for additional social The household groupings of children and Development Plans on the requirement housing; working age are actually projected to for additional development land. decline. Whilst the need for small family • lending restrictions; and accommodation remains strong, there • a high level of negative equity. will be a requirement to design and Private Rented Sector (PRS) construct suitable accommodation for The PRS will play an increasingly The PRS continues to play a significant role older persons. important role meeting the needs of in the local housing market. Local estate younger households on lower incomes, Ards and North Down had the highest agents report that there is continuing who in previous decades would local council employment rate of those strong demand for private rental have become first time buyers. High aged 16-64 at 74% in 2015. The public accommodation across the Borough. levels of demand for social housing

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in some areas will also continue to need there were 237 units completed underpin the demand for private rented and 636 units on-site at 31 March 2017. accommodation. The three year SHDP has 158 housing units planned. Housing Benefit continues to play a vital role in supporting low-income tenants in The LDP has an important role to fulfil the PRS. At March 2017, 4,439 private in terms of the allocation of land for tenants in the Council area were in new housing across the council area. receipt of Housing Benefit. The issue of social need is much higher in Bangor Urban and will need to be Whilst it is envisaged that the risk of carefully assessed using Housing disinvestment in the sector is low, the Executive statistical data. Due to the market is unsure of the effect of the Council areas popular location and recent tax changes for private landlords. growing population, there is a need for This matter will be closely monitored. additional housing across all tenures.

Social Housing Sector Regeneration Bangor Marina The requirement for new social housing in Ards and North Down has Regenerating neighbourhoods is vital fluctuated since 2012 but remains high. to increase opportunities that connect The five-year assessment for 2016-21 local people to create economically shows a need for 1,033 units. Need is viable places that will not only benefit highest in Bangor Urban, Holywood and the physical environment they live in, but Newtownards town. also improve residents’ overall quality of life and wellbeing. An important Single, older persons and small family role for housing providers will be to households comprise 85% of the waiting foster a sense of identity, to encourage list in housing stress. Future housing mix investment and to reduce deprivation. A in new social housing will need to cater priority is to ensure that communities are for these household groups. In recent welcoming to all people regardless of years, social housing need in Ards and religion, race or economic background. North Down has been delivered by housing associations on Housing Executive land. Regeneration can be defined as activities Increasingly, areas of housing need are that reverse economic, social and emerging in locations where the Housing physical decline in areas where market Executive does not own land. forces will not do this without the support of government. To continue to build Housing associations have largely vibrant and welcoming places within been successful in obtaining sites Ards and North Down, it will be important throughout the council area with 237 that local communities are involved in units completed and 636 on-site at decision making in their neighbourhoods, March 2017. There are areas, however, to identify priorities and plan solutions. where they report difficulties, chiefly Groomsport, Crawfordsburn and Helen’s DfC has responsibility for strategic led Bay. This results in housing associations regeneration of regionally important having to acquire sites on the open sites, including those with mixed tenure. market and therefore subject to market The Housing Executive will complement price fluctuations. To address social this through the delivery of a ‘housing

12 led’ approach to physical and social the Housing Executive’s contribution to housing investment, for a wide range of regeneration in local communities. An sustaining our rural communities. services, and the 2016/17 public sector area which has undergone successful housing investment totalled £43.28m for ‘housing led’ regeneration will be the Council area. Housing expenditure Update on Resources/Budget of interest to developers, bring new and projected housing investment is set investment, improve neighbourhoods and The Housing Executive has not been out in Table 1. public realm and will increase residents’ able to set a budget for the forthcoming access to work. year as there has been no functioning government since January 2017. Progress Report However, it is generally recognised Therefore, no targets have been agreed that to achieve long-term sustainable The following sections contain progress for 2017-18, generating widespread renewal, a holistic approach should be report tables for each HIP outcome. The uncertainty about funding over the taken. In order to best target investment, tables detail progress of housing proposals coming year. The Housing Executive, the Community Plan may seek to tie set out in the HIP for 2015-19, new plans along with other public bodies, must physical intervention in areas which are and schemes for 2017-19 and reaffirm the adapt with new, more effective and characterised by a range of issues, not ten-year vision as well as linking our plans efficient ways of delivering high quality only environmental dereliction and blight. to the local Community Plan. services for citizens in Northern Ireland. Outside of the urban settlements, the Where updated or new relevant data is The Community Plan will work alongside Ards and North Down area encompasses available to that identified in the HIP, this the Housing Executive to direct limited a significant rural landscape, including has been incorporated in graphic or tabular public sector resources more efficiently. the popular villages of Groomsport, form. The updated statistical information is Ballygowan, Helens Bay and The past year has delivered significant reported by each HIP theme. Crawfordsburn. Rural communities within the council area benefit from their close proximity to these locations and also from their commutable distance to Belfast and Table 1: Ards and North Down Actual/Projected Public Sector Housing Spend its wider urban settlements. Actual spend £m Projected spend £m For many young rural households, house Activity areas 2016/17 2017/18 and land prices, land availability and low Capital Improvement Work 1.31 1.91 rates of development will rule out owner Planned Maintenance Work* 6.30 4.53 occupation in the short to medium term. Response Maintenance 3.23 3.81 The propensity for owner occupation in rural areas will also result in limited Private Sector Grants 1.24 1.31 opportunity for the private rented sector Grounds Maintenance 0.43 0.39 to offer affordable accommodation. Supporting People 6.32 5.95 Whilst the Housing Executive works Community Development 0.05 ** closely with rural communities to identify Investment in New Build*** 24.40 **** housing need, housing association Total 43.28 17.90 delivery of new social housing schemes is becoming increasingly difficult due Source: NIHE to the smaller numbers often required * Includes minor disabled person adaptations, redecoration and displacement grants. in rural schemes and the economies ** Community Development projected spend is not available. of scale associated with delivery and *** Investment in new build is the total cost of schemes starting in the programme management. In 2016 the Housing year but which may be spent over more than one year. The amount includes Housing Executive launched the Rural Strategy Association Grant (HAG) and housing association funding. & Action plan 2016-2020. This sets out **** The total cost of units in the gross SHDP for 2017/18 has not been finalised.

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14 THEME ONE Identify and meet housing need and demand

OUTCOME ONE IDENTIFY NEW HOUSING REQUIREMENTS Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref NIHE will update the Net Ongoing. The NSM will be updated in 2017 and NIHE will deliver updated 5C Stock Model (NSM) in 2019. objective assessments of 2017 following the 2015 affordable housing (social review of household and intermediate housing) projections. need by household type. NIHE will carry out an Achieved. The five NIHE will carry out an annual five Continuously evaluate and 5C annual five year projected year social housing year projected social housing need update housing need and social housing need need for the Council is assessment for the Council. demand in line with best assessment for the 1,033 units. practice. Council. NIHE will annually assess Achieved. The ten year NIHE will annually assess demand for 5C demand for intermediate intermediate housing intermediate housing for the Council. housing for the Council. need is 630. Latent demand tests will be NIHE did not carry out NIHE will determine new locations Identify rural housing need/ 5C carried out in agreed areas a latent demand test to test after the completion of the demand. to establish social housing within Ards and North Housing Need Assessment process. need. Down during 2016/17. Any requests from councillors or local representatives for test locations will also be considered. NIHE will produce a HIP Achieved. NIHE will produce a HIP annual update Determine new housing 2C, 3A annual update for 2017/18 for 2018/19, monitoring housing market requirements for local 3B, 3C monitoring housing market performance across all tenures. development planning 4B, 5C performance across all through collaborative tenures. working between NIHE, DfC, NISRA and DfI. DfI will review HGIs for Achieved. Revised NIHE will provide evidence 5C LDPs. annual HGI based cross tenure analysis requirement for the of the local housing market Council is 546 per year to inform local development from 2012 to 2025. and Community Planning. NIHE will annually update Achieved. NIHE to deliver annual updates of 5C councils with affordable affordable housing requirement housing need reports to inform Local Development and for the production of Community Plans. Local Development and Community Plans. NIHE will review housing Housing market NIHE will commence programme to 5C market geographies for geographies research deliver Housing Market Assessments NI and deliver Housing scheduled to across NI upon the completion of the Market Assessments commence in 2017/18. housing market geographies research. across NI.

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Demographics Mid-year estimate 2005 Mid-year estimate 2015 Projected 2025 Children 29,285 (19.3%) 29,801 (18.8%) 28,980 (17.8%) Working Age 99,141 (65.1%) 97,333 (61.3%) 94,462 (57.9%) Older People 23,807 (15.6%) 31,663 (19.9%) 39,611 (24.3%) Total Population 152,233 158,797 163,053 Households - 65,486 68,785 Average Household Size - 2.39 2.34 Source: NISRA

Ards and North Down Household Composition of Housing Applicants at March 2017 Type Single Person Small Adult Small Family Large Adult Large Family Older Person Total Applicant 1,308 224 725 73 217 842 3,389 App (HS) 828 120 429 53 124 590 2,144 Allocation 287 34 229 10 37 113 710 Applicant - Housing applicants at March 2017. App (HS) - Housing stress applicants at March 2017 (i.e. 30 points or more). Allocation - Annual allocations for year ending March 2017.

Ards and North Down Housing Executive Stock at March 2017 Bungalow Flat House Maisonette Cottage Total Void Current Stock 1,688 1,497 2,948 31 172 6,336 62 Sold Stock 773 457 6,231 64 447 7,972

Social Housing Waiting List Trends Definition of Household Types Single person 1 person 16-59 years old 5,000 Older person 1 or 2 persons aged 16 or over, at least 1 4,104 over 60 4,000 3,618 3,570 3,499 3,389 Small adult 2 persons 16-59 years old Small family 1 or 2 persons aged 16 or over, with 1 or 3,000 2 children 2,120 2,064 2,068 2,144 1,985 Large family 1 or 2 persons aged 16 or over, and 3 or 2,000 more persons 0-15, or 3 or more persons 16 or over and 2 or more persons aged 728 1,000 736 674 635 710 0-15 Large adult 3 or more persons aged 16 or over with or 0 without 1 person aged 0-15 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Total applicants Housing stress Allocations Source: NIHE

16 OUTCOME TWO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE RENTING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref DfC will approve a The SHDP delivered new build DfC will approve a Maximise public funding through the 5C gross, three year starts in 26 schemes, for 180 gross, three year procurement of affordable housing. 2016/19 SHDP. units, including 27 one-bed 2017/20 SHDP. units in 2016/17. There were 237 units completed during 2016/17. NIHE with DfC and The SHDP Delivery Strategy The SHDP Delivery The key objectives of the SHDP 5C housing associations and Action Plan was approved Strategy Action Plan Delivery Strategy are: will implement an SHDP by the NIHE Board in August will be implemented • More sustainable neighbourhoods Delivery Strategy Action 2016 and subsequently over the period through effective place shaping Plan over the period endorsed by DfC. A 2017-2020. The within Community Planning. 2017-2020. Commissioning Prospectus Commissioning • Reformed delivery of social and has been produced to Prospectus will affordable housing to create a support the new approach to be published in more flexible and responsive commissioning the SHDP. The conjunction with the system. Commissioning Prospectus SHDP 2017-2020 in • Deliver 8,000 new social housing will provide a strategic, cross- 2017. units and at least 2,800 new tenure overview of housing affordable homes over a four need and demand across NI. year period (subject to available funding). NIHE will carry out site No site identification studies Currently no site 5A identification studies to where carried out within the identification studies 5C examine sites for social borough during 2016/17. are programmed for housing as necessary. urban or rural areas within the council area. NIHE will work with NIHE awaits the publication NIHE will work with 5A councils to develop of the Preferred Options councils to develop 5C social housing policies Paper. social housing policies for the new LDP. for the new LDP. DfC & DfI will engage Provision of affordable NIHE will work with Introduce developer contributions for 5A with key stakeholders housing will be promoted in councils to develop affordable housing. 5C on recommendations the LDP. an affordable housing detailed in the draft PPS policy in the LDP. 22 Affordable Housing.

17 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

OUTCOME TWO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE RENTING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES CONTINUED Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref DfC will continue to Achieved. There were 8,968 DfC will continue to Monitor and evaluate the 5C implement landlord landlord registrations at implement landlord performance of the PRS to assess registration and tenancy March 2017. registration and effectiveness in meeting affordable deposit schemes tenancy deposit housing need. and analyse the data schemes and analyse received. the data received. DfC will complete a Public consultation launched Following the Introduce effective regulation for 5C fundamental review of in January 2017 with a list of consultation period, the PRS to maintain physical and the PRS in 2016. proposals to be discussed. DfC will set out how management standards. the agreed proposals will be implemented. NIHE plan to process In 2016/17, new claims were NIHE plan to process 4A new public/private HB processed in an average of new public/private claims within the 22 20.1 days. Claim amendments HB claims within the day target and HB claim were processed in an average 22-day target and HB amendment within of 6.3 days. claim amendment seven days. within seven days. NIHE have made £370k NIHE funded Smartmove NIHE have made £450k 4A available to fund private rented access scheme available to fund Smartmove private to a value of £445k across NI Smartmove private rented access scheme during 2016/17. rented access scheme across NI for 2016/17. across NI for 2017/18.

Private Housing Benefit Claimants

5,000

4,750 4,579 4,567 4,498 4,535 4,500 4,439 Housing Benefit public claimants at March 2017 6,273 4,250

4,000 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Source: NIHE Source: NIHE

18 Average Weekly Private Sector Rent 200

DfC’s Landlord Registration Scheme identified 150

8,968 100 tenancies at 2017. Up from 8,002 50

at March 2016 £120.23 £127.38 £146.31 £198.23 £141.46 0 Apartment Terrace Semi Detached All Source: DfC Source: Ulster University

Ten Year Intermediate Housing Demand 2016-2026 House Sales All Tenures

3,000

2,500 2,581 2,457 2,456 2,000 2,009 1,500 1,510 630 1,000 500

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Source: NIHE Source: LPS

Co-Ownership Approvals Repossessions 160 160 140 145 140 135 120 133 132 120 117 100 100 101 96 80 82 80 87 60 60 40 40 51 20 20 0 0 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: Co-Ownership Source: DfC

19 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

OUTCOME THREE ASSIST HOME OWNERSHIP Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref NIHE and housing associations will 21 NIHE properties were sold to NIHE and housing Continue to assist 4A implement the House Sales and tenants under the House Sales associations will home ownership 5C Equity Sharing Scheme. Scheme during 2016/17. implement the House through House Sales Sales and Equity Sharing and Equity Sharing. Scheme. DfC will administer committed During 2016/17, there were 82 DfC has committed Continue to assist 4A funding of £96.3m to Co-Ownership properties purchased through funding of £100m to Co- households purchase 5C for 2015/16 - 2018/19 with a target Co-Ownership in Ards and North Ownership for four years their home through of 2,643 affordable homes for NI. Down Council. which along with £65m shared ownership. of private finance will allow for the provision of 2,800 new homes in NI. DfC will pilot a number of DfC has awarded £19m FTC Introduce a developer 4A initiatives across NI using the under AHLF. contribution to 5C Affordable Home Loans Fund FairShare has been set up by Housing associations in increase the supply of (AHLF) to deliver affordable Apex, Clanmil and Choice as a NI will continue to offer intermediate housing. housing. These include: new shared ownership scheme affordable, high-quality Deliver finance 1. £19m to provide up to 600 enabling homebuyers who cannot properties for sale models to make better affordable homes; afford to purchase a property through the FairShare use of funding for 2. £9.2m in Financial Transactions outright, to buy a share of a shared ownership intermediate housing. Capital (FTC) funding to an property directly from a housing scheme. empty homes scheme (being association and pay rent on the delivered by Clanmil); rest. 3. £5m to date in FTC funding for £12.5m FTC has been awarded Co-Ownership will a Rent to Own scheme (being to Co-Ownership for the Rent to continue to promote the delivered by Co-Ownership); Own initiative. The Rent to Own Rent to Own scheme. and scheme is now operational. 4. Developing intermediate Deliver a range of housing on surplus NIHE land There were no sites identified in intermediate housing (Clanmil and APEX). Ards and North Down Borough Council during 2016/17. products, such as intermediate rent. NIHE will work with councils to Planning has commenced NIHE will work with Deliver mixed tenure 5A develop intermediate housing collaborative work with NIHE on councils to develop housing schemes in 5C policies through the LDP. LDP’s Preferred Options Paper. intermediate housing communities through policies through the LDP. planning. NIHE will continue to investigate Work on-site investigation is NIHE will continue to Deliver a self-build 5C with housing associations, the ongoing with Habitat for Humanity investigate with housing affordable housing potential for community self-build however there is nothing local associations, the model. products for home ownership. happening at this time. potential for community self-build products for home ownership.

20 £ Local Housing Allowance £ 93.09 102.92 £ two bed dwelling three bed dwelling

Source: NIHE

Average Annual House Prices New Build Starts

200,000 1,000 181,424 800 180,000 185,077 848 176,972 177,296 600 160,000 690 163,492 571

154,028 540 504 140,000 149,449 400 503 476 430

140,217 413

138,147 375

131,204 319 120,000 200 304

100,000 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

NI Average house price Ards & North Down All starts Private starts Average house price

Source: Ulster University Source: LPS

Croft Road, Holywood (Radius HA) Balfour Street, Newtownards (Clanmil HA)

21 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

22 THEME TWO Improving people’s homes

OUTCOME FOUR IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE HOUSING STOCK Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref Funding of discretionary Discretionary grant approval in Funding of discretionary grants Deliver policies to 5C grants for 2016/17 is £49k. 2016/17 was £62k. will continue in 2017/18. support sustainable design and improve the fabric of dwellings. Repair notices issued by There were 135 mandatory NIHE will issue mandatory 4A councils on private rented repair grants approved in repair grants as required. 5C landlords can be recovered 2016/17 with an approval value through a mandatory grant of £1,225k, 130 were completed. of up to £7,500. NIHE will issue NIHE approved Home Repair NIHE will issue discretionary 5C discretionary Home Repair Assistance grants to the value Home Repair Assistance grants Assistance grants as of £25k in 2016/17, ten of which as required. required. were completed. NIHE will register At March 2017, there were 107 NIHE will register and inspect 5C and inspect HMOs for properties registered as HMOs in HMOs for building and building and management Ards and North Down. In the past management standards. standards. year, a small number of Article 80 Notices (fit for number of occupants) and Article 79 Notices (Management Regulations) were served. Funding for NIHE planned In 2016/17, NIHE spent £6.30m Funding for NIHE planned In line with the Asset 4A maintenance schemes in on planned maintenance maintenance schemes in 2017/18 Management Strategy, 5C 2016/17 is estimated at schemes in the Council area. is estimated at £4.53m. NIHE NIHE will aim to bring £4.99m. Planned maintenance works will complete works to 1,715 all of its stock up to and were completed to 1,895 properties: 1,056 properties maintain it at modern properties: 1,234 properties will receive ECM works, 161 standards, subject to received ECM works, 298 Kitchen replacements, 264 funding availability. Kitchen replacements and 363 Double-Glazing and 234 Heating Heating installations. installations.

23 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

OUTCOME FOUR IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE HOUSING STOCK CONTINUED Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref Funding for NIHE capital In 2016/17, NIHE spent £1.31m Funding for NIHE capital NIHE has been carrying 5C improvement schemes in on capital improvement improvement schemes in out work to develop a 2016/17 is estimated at schemes. 2017/18 is £1.91m. new 10 Year Investment £2.40m. Plan based on the NIHE will complete New contracts and working NIHE will complete response principles set out in the response maintenance arrangements were introduced maintenance repairs within the Asset Management repairs within the required during 2016/17. The new required target time. Strategy. target time. contracts are progressing well NIHE will carry out but we are unable to report response maintenance performance against targets repairs to customers’ until 2018. satisfaction. NIHE stock condition NIHE’s new Asset Management NIHE will use the Asset survey will complete in Strategy was approved in 2016. Strategy as the basis 2015 and inform the Asset for investment in the Management Strategy. modernisation and maintenance of our housing stock. NIHE will commence Work is underway with the first The 2016 House Condition Unfitness and decent 5C work on the 2016 House preliminary report published on Survey final report will be home standards will be Condition Survey. 30 March 2017. published early 2018. identified through NIHE HCS reports.

Household Fuel Cost % Change April 2007 to January 2017

30 25 24% 20 21% 15 17% 10 Phoenix Gas first 10% 5 2000kWh 0 Electricity The Croft Community, Bloomfield Road, Bangor -5 (Choice HA) Oil standard Firmus -10 (Kerosene) domestic -13% first Housecoal -15 Litre tariff 1 unit 2000kWh 50 Kg

Source: NIHE

24 OUTCOME FIVE DEVELOP LOW CARBON HOMES AND REDUCE FUEL POVERTY Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref Bryson Energy, with funding Achieved. There were eight Bryson Energy will Promote energy efficiency 1C from NIHE deliver an energy schools visited in the Council continue to deliver the through contracts with 1D efficiency awareness during 2016/17. Advice Line and Schools social enterprises. programme annually to 160 awareness programme. schools across NI and a local and impartial Energy Efficiency Advice Line. NIHE will implement the In the Council, 885 measures NIHE will implement Reduce fuel poverty. 4A Affordable Warmth Scheme. were carried out to 436 private the Affordable Warmth 5C Funding of £15.5m is available properties under the Affordable Scheme with anticipated for 2016/17 across NI. Warmth scheme in 2016/17. funding of £16m for 2017/18 across NI. NIHE will continue to In the Council, 214 properties had NIHE will implement Develop and promote 4A administer the Boiler boilers replaced at cost of £150k. the Boiler Replacement alternative natural 5C Replacement Scheme on Scheme 2016-19 with energies to improve behalf of DfC for the period anticipated funding environmental wellbeing 2016-19 with a budget of £3m of £700k for 2017/18 and combat fuel poverty for 2016/17 across NI. across NI. in the home. NIHE’s 2016/19 energy During 2016/17, 363 heating NIHE’s 2017/20 energy Deliver zero carbon 4B efficiency programme includes installations were carried out efficiency programme dwellings. 5A 10 schemes for 1,216 units at within the Council at a cost of includes six schemes at 5C a cost of £5.5m. £1.96m. a cost of £3.5m. Bryson Energy aim to increase Almost 5,000 households have NIHE aims to increase 4A membership of the 27 become members of oil buying membership of the 4B established oil buying clubs clubs across NI. Within the established oil buying across NI. council area there are four: Ards clubs. Peninsula, Comber Neurodiversity, Millisle and North Down Community Network (NDCN). NIHE aims to complete a A total of 1,000 PV panels have Seek innovative Seek value for money 4A further 111 planned PV panel been installed across NI since renewable options that options for reducing 4B installations across NI. 2015/16. During 2016/17 there can be used in public energy demand to were 136 installations within the and private sector promote across all Council area. NIHE will ensure homes to reduce energy residential sectors. that tenants in these properties demand and household will utilise the potential of electric bills. cheaper electric bills.

25 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

26 THEME THREE Transforming people’s lives

OUTCOME SIX PROVIDE SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref The gross, three year (2016/19) During 2016/17, three The gross, three year Maintain collaborative 1C SHDP contains one supported schemes for 28 units (2017/20) SHDP contains working practices 2C housing scheme for two completed in Bangor at one supported housing between NIHE, Health 3B units, which is programmed Hamilton Road, Bloomfield scheme for seven units, Trusts and Probation 5C to commence construction in Road and McClay Fold. At 31 which is programmed to Service to deliver 2016/17. March 2017, there were five commence construction in innovation, capacity and supported housing schemes 2017/18. housing care and support for 41 units on-site. services. £6.59m has been approved to £6.32m was spent delivering £5.95m has been 1C deliver the Supporting People the Supporting People approved to deliver 2C programme for 2016/17. programme for 2016/17. the Supporting People 3B programme for 2017/18. 74 accommodation based schemes for 1,344 service users. Seven floating support schemes for 275 service users. 2016/19 SHDP incorporates 14 wheelchair units went on- 2017/20 SHDP 1C, 2C support for 21 wheelchair units. site in 2016/17. incorporates support for 3B, 5C 22 wheelchair units. NIHE will assess need for social Achieved. DfC have agreed an initial 1C, 2C housing wheelchair housing. Wheelchair Standard 3B, 5C Accommodation target of 6% of general needs new build for 2017/18 which will rise to 7% for 2018/19. NIHE have funding of NIHE approved 69 DFGs to NIHE have funding of Promote independent 1C, 2C approximately £0.7m for Disabled a value of £1,172k during approximately £9.5m living through DFG 3B, 5C Facilities Grants (DFGs) for the 2016/17. 64 DFG’s completed for DFG’s for the private adaptations. private sector in 2016/17. during the year. sector in 2017/18 across NI. NIHE will provide adaptations to NIHE spent £450k on NIHE will provide 1C, 2C their properties as required. adaptations in 2016/17. adaptations to their 3B, 5C properties as required. The 2013/18 Traveller Need NIHE continues to monitor NIHE will continue to Identify and meet 3A Assessment identified no the need for Traveller monitor and assess Traveller accommodation accommodation requirement for accommodation throughout Traveller accommodation needs within Traveller families in in the Council the Council area. requirements in Ards and communities. area. North Down.

27 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

OUTCOME SEVEN HOMELESSNESS IS PREVENTED OR IS ADDRESSED EFFECTIVELY Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref Roll in of the Housing This approach has developed to focus Roll in of the Housing Deliver a framework and 1C Solutions and Support on tenancy sustainment, homeless Solutions and Support model for a fully operational Approach will continue prevention and exploring housing and Approach will continue housing options service. across NI. support options for customers who across NI. contact the NIHE with a housing issue. Ensure information is readily Housing Solutions and Support teams available across all tenures have been established in three Housing to meet the needs of a Executive Offices, covering five outlets. housing options service. NIHE have made £370k NIHE funded Smartmove private rented NIHE have made £450k Deliver an adequate 5C available to fund the access scheme to a value of £445k available to fund supply of permanent Smartmove private across NI during 2016/17. Smartmove private accommodation to prevent rented access scheme rented access scheme homelessness and repeat across NI for 2016/17. across NI for 2017/18. homelessness. NIHE will work with NIHE confirmed 1,483 homeless NIHE will work with Maintain and improve 3B organisations to deliver applications were received and 961 organisations to deliver collaborative working 3C homeless services, in applicants were awarded Full Duty homeless services, in arrangements to provide 4A line with Homelessness Applicant status. line with Homelessness services to homeless Strategy 2012-17. Strategy 2017-22. people. Homeless applications 100% of homeless applications were Homeless applications Maximise return on funding 3B to be processed within processed within 33 working days. to be processed within for temporary homeless 3C 33 working day target. 33 working day target. accommodation. 4A NIHE will review the The Homelessness Strategy 2017-22 Homelessness Strategy ‘Ending Homelessness Together’ was in 2017. published in April 2017.

Homeless Figures Older Persons Seeking Sheltered Accommodation

Year No. of No. of Households placed Year March 2016 March 2017 homeless homeless in temporary Total applicants 346 343 presenters acceptances accommodation Applicants in housing stress 288 279 2012/13 1,458 831 180 Source: NIHE 2013/14 1,430 854 206 2014/15 1,566 1,056 196 Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) 2015/16 1,408 946 207 Year 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2016/17 1,483 961 185 Approved 67 61 76 66 69 Source: NIHE Funding £k 1,179 845 1,228 905 1,172 Source: NIHE

28 Supporting People Information

Type of Service Client Group No. of No. of Actual payments Budget 2017-18 Max. no of schemes providers 2016-17 (£k) (£k) services users Accommodation Older People 40 8 947 824 1,019 Based Services Homelessness 3 3 536 509 37 Learning Disability 22 10 3,063 2,871 221 Mental Health 8 2 788 745 62 Young People 1 1 51 68 5 Sub Total 74 * 5,385 5,017 1,344 Floating Support Older People 1 1 42 41 26 Services Homelessness 4 4 454 448 142 Mental Health 1 1 256 259 59 Young People 1 1 184 184 48 Sub Total 7 * 936 932 275 Grand Total 81 * 6,321 5,949 1,619 Source: NIHE *Some providers supply both accommodation based and floating support services

Social Housing Wheelchair Statistics

70 65 Wheelchair Applicants 58 on the Waiting List 60 56 57 50 45 44 54 54 Wheelchair Applicants £ in Housing Stress 40 on the Waiting List 41 42 30 Wheelchair Applicants NIHE spent 20 15 allocated social housing 13 11 13 11 in the past year 10 £450k 0 March 13 March 14 March 15 March 16 March 17 on Source: NIHE adaptations to its properties

29 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

30 THEME FOUR Enabling sustainable neighbourhoods

OUTCOME EIGHT REGENERATE NEIGHBOURHOODS Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref DfC will continue to fund During 2016/17, DfC spent DfC will continue to fund Develop collaborative working 3B the Areas at Risk, SPOD approximately £60k on the Areas at Risk, SPOD arrangements between DfC, 3C and Neighbourhood Areas at Risk programmes, and Neighbourhood NIHE and councils to deliver 4A Renewal programmes for £193k on SPOD and £214k Renewal programmes for housing led regeneration in 5A 2016/17. on Neighbourhood Renewal 2017/18. partnership with communities. 5C programmes. NIHE will capture details of 78 cases were reported within The Empty Homes 5C empty homes as they are Ards and North Down, 33 strategy is currently under identified and reported and of which were closed, 14 review with DfC. share with Department of deferred and 31 remain open. Finance and DfC in line with the Housing (Amendment) Act 2016. NIHE will implement The NI target for the three NIHE will examine Improve the quality of urban 5A the Heritage in Housing year programme (2015-18) is a further year of the and rural design and townscape 5B scheme throughout NI to to bring 15 empty properties Heritage in Housing quality in local communities. 5C bring empty town centre back into use. To date, scheme in 2017/18. properties back into use, seven properties have been addressing blight and completed, one of which is providing accommodation located in Donaghadee. A for affordable rent. further five are underway. Promote housing led NIHE will continue to work Promote housing led 5A regeneration through with the Council through the regeneration through 5B master planning proposals Community Planning process. master planning proposals 5C in urban and village in urban and village centres. centres. NIHE will implement the On target to deliver 42 of the NIHE will implement the To contribute to our vision for 3A Rural Strategy and Action 43 actions included in the Rural Strategy and Action rural communities, ‘Vibrant, 5A Plan 2016-20. Rural Strategy & Action Plan. Plan 2016-20. shared, healthy and sustainable 5B rural communities where 5C everyone has access to decent and affordable housing’. DfC will continue to invest DfC is supporting Social DfC will continue to Support local businesses and 1C in social enterprise growth Economy Enterprise growth in invest in social enterprise job creation through social 4A to increase sustainability NI through Community Asset growth to increase enterprise. 4B in the broad community Transfer (CAT), Pilot Social sustainability in the broad sector. Economy Projects, Social community sector. Enterprise Hubs and Social Innovation.

31 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

OUTCOME EIGHT REGENERATE NEIGHBOURHOODS CONTINUED Plans 2016/17 Progress Long term objectives CP Ref NIHE’s Social Housing There were no awards NIHE’s Social Housing 1C Enterprise Strategy will made by the Social Housing Enterprise Strategy will 4A invest £0.5m in NI annually Enterprise Strategy, during continue to invest in local 4B to support social housing 2016, in Ards and North communities to support enterprise developments. Down. social housing enterprise developments. NIHE will transfer assets NIHE are currently developing NIHE will transfer assets 4A under the CAT framework the policy to implement under the CAT framework 4B to deliver community this framework. Locally in to deliver community 5C regeneration. Kilcooley estate consideration regeneration. is being given to making land available for use as a 3G pitch which will be funded through the Social Investment Fund.

Rural Applicants in Housing Stress

400

300

245 200 198 208 178 168 100

Mural of Josh Magennis, Bloomfield Estate, Bangor 0 March March March March March 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Source: NIHE

Representatives from West Winds Community Association attending a BRIC2 strategic planning event

32 OUTCOME NINE CREATE SAFER AND COHESIVE COMMUNITIES Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref Implement NIHE’s NIHE actively deals with ASB in our estates. Develop new Develop community 1C Community In the Council area during 2016/17 Community Community Safety confidence and continue 1D Safety Strategy Safety Grants were paid for projects in Bloomfield, Strategy 2017/20. working with our 3A 2014-17. Update Holywood and Conlig. communities and partners 3B the Strategy in to address Community 3C 2017/18. Safety issues and tackle ASB effectively. Reduce ASB crime. NIHE will work A hate harassment tool kit launched in 2016, Hate Continue to work Continue to work to 3A to prevent hate Incident Practical Action (HIPA) continues to be to prevent hate prevent hate harassment. 3B crimes. available to address damage to properties. During harassment. 3C 2016/17 no HIPA incidents were responded to in Ards and North Down. NIHE will continue NIHE Area Managers continue to attend their NIHE will continue 3A to be a designated respective PCSP meetings. to be a designated 3B agency in the agency in the 3C PCSPs. PCSPs. NIHE will assess During 2016/17, £3,485 was awarded in the Council NIHE will continue 3A funding bids area for community safety projects: Bloomfield to assess funding 3B from Community Community Association installed a panic button in applications and 3C Groups and PCSPs their community house; Holywood Shared Town ran fund appropriate for community a successful youth diversionary project; and Conlig projects that safety projects. Community Association supported the local badminton address community club. safety issues in NIHE estates where money is available. NIHE will Local office staff continue to work with statutory NIHE will continue 3A continue to partners in addressing ASB issues. to partner on ASB 3B partner on Anti- During the year, pupils from Bloomfield Primary Forum. 3C Social Behaviour School in Bangor worked with members of the (ASB) Forum. Bloomfield Community Association, young people from the area and NIHE to make over an area blighted by anti-social behaviour. Over £3,000 was funded through NIHE’s Community Cohesion Unit to create a 25ft by 10ft mural of NI striker Josh Magennis, who grew up in the estate, to help reduce anti-social behaviour.

33 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

OUTCOME NINE CREATE SAFER AND COHESIVE COMMUNITIES CONTINUED Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref The mural was the culmination of strong community leadership and close partnership working to decide on the best use of the gable wall in the estate. Isobelle Hamilton, from the Bloomfield Community Association said “The Bloomfield estate is an extremely vibrant community and we wanted to promote the inclusive nature of the area, by showcasing the UEFA ‘RESPECT’ message which celebrates diversity both on and off the sporting field. Throughout the year NIHE staff worked closely with the PSNI and Council officials to discuss cases of common concern and agree required actions to address issues of anti-social behaviour. NIHE will deal During 2016/17, NIHE dealt with 195 cases of ASB. NIHE will deal with 3A, 3B with reported reported cases of 3C, 4A cases of ASB in ASB in its estates. its estates. NIHE will work to NIHE has provided Hate Crime Training to more than NIHE will Promote the shared ethos 3A, 3B raise awareness 70 staff across the organisation. implement and development of shared 3C, 4A and promote bespoke training communities through integration through in good relations education programmes its Good Relations for staff and and shared new build Strategy and Race community groups. developments. Relations Policy. NIHE will NIHE has completed phase 1 of the BRIC2 programme NIHE will identify 3A implement with 26 estates involved across NI. Within Ards another 26 groups 3B BRIC2. NIHE will & North Down one of the phase 1 areas was the to be involved in 3C promote the good Westwinds Estate, Newtownards which held a very phase 2 of the 4A neighbour charter successful residential strategic planning course in BRIC2 across NI. and the five January 17 to look at the future of the estate and the cohesion themes challenges it faces. of Race Relations, Some phase 2 areas have been identified and are Communities currently being invited onto the programme. Within in Transition, Ards and North Down East End Residents Association Interfaces, and Clandeboye Village Community Association are Flags, Emblems included within Phase 2 of the programme. & Sectional Symbols.

34 OUTCOME NINE CREATE SAFER AND COHESIVE COMMUNITIES CONTINUED Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref NIHE will SC continues to be highly active in Ards and North Update the Increase tenant 1C continue to Down supporting community groups. There is a Community involvement in the 3A fund Supporting dedicated Supporting Communities worker who Involvement management and future 3B Communities (SC) provides administration support together with Strategy in development of their 3C in their work with advice and assistance to a range of associations in 2017/18. communities. 4A communities. the borough. The SC worker also provides support to the Area Scrutiny Panel & Local Housing Forums. NIHE will Achieved. Consultation on 2017/20 Strategy NIHE will Establish strong, 1C implement the commenced January 2017. implement the collaborative working 3A Community Community arrangements between 3B Involvement Involvement government agencies, 3C Strategy 2014/17. Strategy and voluntary organisations 4A update for and local community 2017/20. groups to support community regeneration. Funding of almost £1,685 was spent in 2016/17 on administration Funding of £17k 1C £15k for 2016/17 costs for the Scrutiny Panel in Ards and North for 2017/18 for 3A for Community Down. Community Grants 3B Grants and and Scrutiny Panel 3C Scrutiny Panels will be made 4A was made available by NIHE. available by NIHE for groups within the Council.

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents Multiple Deprivation Measure 2010

6,000

5,500 5,462 5,316 5,000 5,135 5,115 5,025

4,500

4,000 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

Source: NINIS/NISRA

35 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

36 THEME FIVE Delivering quality services

OUTCOME TEN DELIVER BETTER SERVICES Plans 2016/17 Progress Plans 2017/19 Long term objectives CP Ref Increase rent collection to NIHE collected 99.69% of rent Increase rent collection to Maximise income to 5C reinvest to improve services. during 2016/17. reinvest to improve services. deliver better services and improve stock. Reduce arrears to maximise Arrears were reduced by £22k Reduce arrears to maximise Monitor and reduce 5C income. during 2016/17. income. tenancy fraud. Implement the Tenancy Action Plan in place and statistics Continue to report Tenancy 5C Fraud Action Plan. reported quarterly to DfC. Fraud statistics to DfC. Maintain voids below 1% NIHE voids at April 17 were Maintain voids below 1% of Make best use of stock. 5C of total stock to make best 0.41% of total stock. total stock to make best use use of housing stock and of housing stock and increase increase revenue from rents. revenue from rents. Implement the welfare NIHE have established a NIHE will continue to Make best use of stock, 5C reform project plan as project team and project plan communicate with tenants minimise arrears and required. to investigate all welfare and applicants, provide advice help sustain tenancies. changes; identify the impact on and assistance on the impacts our customers and business, of welfare changes and the and to develop appropriate mitigations available, as well as responses. We are working assisting DfC deliver the reforms very closely with DfC on and associated mitigations the reforms and associated where appropriate. mitigations. Contribute to support the Ongoing. NIHE continues Continue to contribute to the To improve the process 5C DfC Fundamental Review of to work closely with DfC to DfC Fundamental Review of for housing assessment Social Housing Allocations. progress this review. Social Housing Allocations. and allocation of social housing. Implement the Sustaining The approach outlined in We will be rolling out the new Reduce tenancy failure 1C Tenancy Strategy locally and the strategy has now been ways of working across the and help tenants stay in incorporate the approach in mainstreamed into the ‘Build organisation. their own home. the ‘Build Yes’ revised ways Yes’ new ways of working. of working. Continue to monitor tenants’ Ongoing. Continue to monitor tenants’ 1C satisfaction through the satisfaction through the CTOS. CTOS.

37 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

38

Appendices

Appendix 1 Community Planning Outcomes Outcome Key Areas and Issues Ref Outcome 1 Children and young people 1A All people in Ards and North Down fulfil their lifelong potential Older people 1B Empowering communities and individuals 1C Skills and support for learning, life and employment 1D Outcome 2 Early intervention 2A All people in Ards and North Down enjoy good health and Health inequalities 2B wellbeing Support for people caring for people 2C Outcome 3 Respectful and shared communities 3A All people in Ards and North Down live in communities where People at risk 3B they are respected, are safe and feel secure Personal safety 3C Outcome 4 Deprivation, employment and skills 4A All people in Ards and North Down benefit from a prosperous Entrepreneurs, social enterprises, diversification, rural 4B economy opportunities and innovation Aesthetics of our business hubs and tourism infrastructure 4C Outcome 5 Understanding the environment 5A All people in Ards and North Down feel pride from having The value of quality open and heritage spaces 5B access to a well-managed sustainable environment Physical and digital infrastructure 5C

39 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

Appendix 2 Social Housing Need by Settlement 2016/21 Settlement Social Housing Need 2016-21 Newtownards Town 116 Bangor Urban 467 Holywood 202 Comber 105 Donaghadee 31 Groomsport 46 Ballygowan 20 Millisle 14 Remaining settlements* (need <10) 32 Total 1,033 * Remaining settlements, where the need in each settlement is less than 10, include: Ballyhalbert, Carrowdore, Cloughey, Kircubbin, Portavogie, Ballydrain, Lisbane, Loughries, Crawfordsburn, Helen’s Bay

New Intermediate Housing Demand for Ards and North Down 2016/26 Council Intermediate housing demand 2016/26 Ards and North Down 630

40 Appendix 3 Social Housing Development Programme: Schemes completed April 2016 - March 2017 Scheme No of units Client group Housing association Policy theme Nendrum Way, Newtownards ESP* 1 General Needs South Ulster Urban John Street, Newtownards ESP* 1 General Needs South Ulster Urban Burnreagh Drive, Newtownards ESP* 1 General Needs Helm Urban Fairfield Way, Newtownards ESP* 1 General Needs Helm Urban Upper Greenwell Drive, Newtownards 5 General Needs Clanmil Urban Hamilton Road, Bangor 7 Vulnerable Women Choice Supported Balligan Gardens, Bangor ESP* 1 General Needs Helm Urban McClay Fold, Bangor ESP* 1 General Needs Fold Supported Kilclief Gardens, Bangor (T) 16 General Needs Ark Urban Croft Community, 71 Bloomfield Road, Bangor 20 Learning Disabilities Choice Supported Rathgill Parade, Bangor (T) 102 General Needs Fold Urban Skipperstone Road, Bangor 14 General Needs Fold Urban Copeland Crescent, Comber ESP* 1 General Needs South Ulster Urban DeWind Drive, Comber ESP* 1 General Needs South Ulster Urban Darragh Gardens, Comber ESP* 1 General Needs South Ulster Urban Crescent Mews, Comber ESP* 1 General Needs South Ulster Urban Linley Drive, Comber ESP* 1 General Needs South Ulster Urban Mill Street, Comber 3 General Needs South Ulster Urban Railway Lane, Comber 12 General Needs Fold Urban 22 Croft Road, Holywood 26 General Needs Helm Urban Barnagh Park, Donaghadee ESP* 1 General Needs Helm Urban 4 & 5 Alexander Cottages, Ballygowan 2 General Needs South Ulster Rural 1-4 Ringbuoy Close, Cloughey 4 General Needs Helm Rural 5 Church Grove, Kircubbin 6 General Needs Clanmil Rural 36 Abbey Road, Millisle 2 General Needs Clanmil Rural 5-13 & 17 Moss Road, Millisle 6 General Needs Helm Rural Total 237 * Existing Satisfactory Purchase

41 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

Appendix 3 continued Social Housing Development Programme: Schemes on-site at March 2017 Scheme No of Client group Housing Policy theme units association 13 Comber Road, Newtownards 56 General Needs Clanmil Urban Killard School, North Road, Newtownards 79 General Needs Clanmil Urban 20-22 Crawfordsburn Road, Newtownards 16 General Needs Clanmil Urban 90-94 Balfour Street, Newtownards 10 General Needs Clanmil Urban Talbot Street, Newtownards 6 General Needs Clanmil Urban 57 John Street, Newtownards 9 General Needs Connswater Urban Crawfordsburn Road, Newtownards ESPs* 2 Mental Health South Ulster Supported Newtownards ESPs* 4 General Needs South Ulster Urban 42 Bangor Road, Newtownards 3 General Needs South Ulster Urban Ravara House, Ravara Gardens, Bangor 24 Elderly - Housing with Care Ark Supported North Down YPLC, Donaghadee Road, Bangor 12 Young People Leaving Care Choice Supported Clifton Special Care School, Old Belfast Road, Bangor 106 General Needs Choice Urban 66a-78 Bloomfield Road, Bangor 56 General Needs Clanmil Urban Corner of Faulkner Road/Clandeboye Road, Bangor 58 General Needs Clanmil Urban Fold Mews, Bangor ESPs* 2 Elderly - Sheltered Radius Supported McClay Fold, Bangor ESP* 1 Elderly - Sheltered Radius Supported Rathgill Phase B, Bangor (T) 77 General Needs Radius Urban 16 Belfast Road, Bangor 24 General Needs Radius Urban James Mews, Clandeboye Road, Bangor 14 General Needs South Ulster Urban 19-21 Castle Street, Comber 16 General Needs Habinteg Urban Comber ESPs* 3 General Needs South Ulster Urban Beechfield, Donaghadee (T) 14 General Needs Clanmil Urban 34-36 Bangor Road, Holywood 6 General Needs Habinteg Urban 66 Main Street, Greyabbey 10 General Needs Clanmil Rural Burn Brae, Portaferry 4 General Needs Ark Rural High Street, Portaferry 23 General Needs Connswater Rural Drumfad Mill, Millisle ESP* 1 General Needs Connswater Rural Total 636 * Existing Satisfactory Purchase

42 Appendix 3 continued Social Housing Development Programme: Schemes programmed 2017-20 Scheme No of Client group Year Housing Policy theme units association Kimberley House, Newtownards 7 Mental Health 2017/18 Choice Supported Orchard Court, Newtownards 1 General Needs 2017/18 Choice Urban Rathmullan Drive, Newtownards (T) 9 General Needs 2017/18 Connswater Urban Court Street, Newtownards 7 General Needs 2018/19 Clanmil Urban Comber ESPs* 5 General Needs 2017/18 South Ulster Urban Craigowen Gate Lodge, 208 Bangor Road, Craigavad 1 General Needs 2017/18 Clanmil Urban Stewarts Place, Holywood 1 General Needs 2018/19 Clanmil Urban Brae Grove, Ballygowan 1 General Needs 2017/18 Triangle Rural 128-132 Frances Street, Newtownards 10 General Needs 2018/19 Habinteg Urban 110 Hamilton Road, Bangor 32 General Needs 2018/19 Clanmil Urban Holborne Avenue, Bangor 14 General Needs 2018/19 Clanmil Urban 58 Newtownards Road, Comber 10 General Needs 2018/19 South Ulster Urban Skipperstone, Bangor 50 General Needs 2019/20 Clanmil Urban Comber ESPs* 10 General Needs 2019/20 South Ulster Urban Total 158 * Existing Satisfactory Purchase

43 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

Appendix 4 Maintenance and Grants Programme: Schemes complete at March 2017 Work Category Scheme Units External Cyclical Maintenance Movilla Phase 1, Newtownards 60 Portaferry 83 Movilla Phase 2, Newtownards 83 Westwinds Flats, Newtownards 154 Kilcooley Phase 1, Bangor 307 Ballyhalbert/Portavogie/Ballywalter 245 Scrabo, Newtownards 171 Westwinds Estate 131 Revenue Replacement Jubilee/Kilcooley/Rathgill 47 Lisnabreen 67 Glen Kitchens Phase 2, Newtownards 125 Movilla 59 Heating Installation Bangor 15 year Heating Phase 1 42 Ards 15 year Heating 98 Jubilee/Rathgill (Additional Dwellings) 38 Bangor 15 year Heating Phase 2 73 Westwinds 15 year Heating 112 Capital Scheme Ballyferris/Carrickmannin Bathroom Kitchen Rewiring 105

44 Appendix 4 continued Maintenance and Grants Programme: Scheme Activity and Expected Completions up to March 2018 Work Category Scheme Units External Cyclical Maintenance Scrabo 265 Comber Phase 1 183 Westwinds Estate 170 Glen Estate 113 Holywood 325 Revenue Replacement Movilla 6 Scrabo 33 Rathgill 39 Portaferry/Millisle 83 Heating Installation Ards 143 Bloomfield 91 Double Glazing Bangor /Ards 264 Capital Scheme Ballyferris/Carrickmannin Bathroom Kitchen Rewiring 2 Ballynoe/Ravara Bathroom Kitchen Rewiring 22 Glen Bungalows 8 Ards Rurals 1 Revenue Repair Bangor 10 year Smoke Alarm Replacements 358 Bangor Phase 1 Electrical Inspections 352 Note: Some schemes may start and complete in year.

45 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

Appendix 4 Maintenance and Grants Programme Continued

Definition of Work Categories External Cyclical Maintenance Work to the external fabric of a dwelling and its immediate surrounding area. Revenue Repair/Replacement Repair or replacement of obsolete internal elements, e.g. sanitary ware and kitchen units. Capital Scheme Improvement works. Heating Installation Replacement of solid fuel or electric heating. Double Glazing Replacement of single glazed with double glazed units.

Adaptations to Housing Executive Stock in 2016/17 Adaptations commenced Adaptations spend Type of Adaptation April 2016 to March 2017 April 2016 to March 2017 £k Extension to dwelling 15 280 Lifts <10 20 Showers 70 150 Total - 450

Grants Performance 2016/17 Grant Type Approved Approval Value £k Completed Mandatory Grants - Disabled Facilities Grant 69 1,172 64 - Repairs Grant 66 53 66 Discretionary Grants - Renovation Grant <10 37 <10 - Home Repair Assistance Grant <10 25 10

46 Appendix 5 Management Team Contact Details Housing Services All enquiries 03448 920 900 Office Contact Contact Information Newtownards Office [email protected] Strangford House, 28 Court Street Newtownards BT23 7NX Bangor Office [email protected] 2 Alfred Street, Bangor BT20 5DH South Regional Manager Comghal McQuillan [email protected] Marlborough House, Central Way Craigavon BT64 1AJ Area Manager Owen Brady [email protected] Strangford House, 28 Court Street Newtownards BT23 7NX Housing Services Manager Alison Methven [email protected] Strangford House, 28 Court Street Newtownards BT23 7NX Bangor Office Manager Steven McBurney [email protected] 2 Alfred Street , Bangor BT20 5DH Bangor Maintenance Manager Paul Shepherd [email protected] 2 Alfred Street , Bangor BT20 5DH Newtownards Maintenance Manager William Irvine [email protected] Strangford House, 28 Court Street Newtownards BT23 7NX

Regional Services All enquiries 03448 920 900 Office Contact Contact Information Land and Regeneration Services Elma Newberry [email protected] 2 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8PB Assistant Director Central Grants Danny O’Reilly daniel.o’[email protected] 2 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8PB Senior Principal Officer Regional Place Shaper Keery Irvine [email protected] Marlborough House, Central Way Head of Place Shaping (A) Craigavon BT64 1AJ Development Programme Group Roy Baillie [email protected] 2 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8PB Head of Development Programme Group Supporting People Anne Sweeney [email protected] 2 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8PB Assistant Director

47 Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan Annual Update 2017

Appendix 6 Glossary Affordable Housing Affordable housing is defined as social rented housing and intermediate housing for eligible households. Affordable Housing Fund Administered by DfC, this finances an interest-free loan to housing associations, to fund the provision of new affordable homes and the refurbishment of empty homes. Areas at Risk This programme aims to intervene in areas at risk of slipping into social or environmental decline by working with residents. Building Relations in Communities (BRIC) Provides training on good relations and funding for good relations plans. Building Successful Communities (BSC) Carried out in a number of pilot areas; this uses housing intervention to regenerate areas and reverse community decline. CAT Community Asset Transfer provides for a change in management and/or ownership of land or buildings, from public bodies to communities. Community Cohesion Cohesive communities are communities where there is a sense of belonging, and there are positive relationships within the community, regardless of background. CTOS Continuous Tenant Omnibus Survey, is an assessment of the attitudes of Housing Executive tenants. Decent Home A decent home is one which is wind and watertight, warm and has modern facilities and is a minimum standard that all social housing should have met through time. Department for Communities (DfC) New government department in Northern Ireland which came into effect in May 2016 and replaces the Department for Social Development (DSD). Disabled Facility Grant (DFG) A grant to help improve the home of a person with a disability who lives in the private sector to enable them to continue to live in their own home. Department for Infrastructure (DfI) New government department in Northern Ireland which came into effect in May 2016 and replaces the Department for Regional Development (DRD). Equity Sharing Equity sharing allows social housing tenants to buy part of their dwelling (starting at 25%). The remaining portion is rented from the Housing Executive or registered housing association. Floating Support This enables users to maintain or regain independence in their own homes. Floating support is not tied to the accommodation but is delivered to individual users. Fuel Poverty A household is in fuel poverty if, in order to maintain an acceptable temperature throughout the home, it would have to spend more than 10% of its income on all household fuel. Full Duty Applicant (FDA) A Full Duty Applicant is a person to whom the Housing Executive owes a duty under Article 10 (2) of the Housing (NI) Order, 1988 to “ensure that accommodation becomes available for his/her occupation”. HECA Home Energy Conservation Authority, the Housing Executive is the HECA for Northern Ireland. HMO A House of Multiple Occupation means a house occupied by more than two people who are not members of the same family.

48 House Sales Scheme The House Sales Scheme gives eligible tenants of the Housing Executive or registered housing associations the right to buy their property from their landlord at a discount. Housing Growth Indicators (HGI) Figures contained in the Regional Development Strategy to estimate the new dwelling requirement for council areas and the Belfast Metropolitan Urban Area for 2012-25. Housing Market Area A housing market area is the geographic area within which the majority of households move, work and live. Housing Market Analysis (HMA) This is an evidence base for housing and planning policies, which examines the operation of Housing Market Areas, including the characteristics of the housing market, how key factors work together and the potential housing need and demand on a cross tenure basis. Housing Needs Assessment This is an assessment of local housing needs primarily in relation to general needs social housing, supported housing, travellers and affordable housing. Housing Stress Applicants on the waiting list who have a points total 30 points or above are considered to be in housing stress, or housing need. Intermediate Housing Intermediate Housing consists of shared ownership housing provided through a registered housing association (e.g. the Co-Ownership Housing Association) and helps eligible households who can afford a small mortgage, but that are not able to afford to buy a property outright. The property is split between part ownership by the householder and part social renting from the registered housing association. Latent demand test Housing needs survey carried out in a rural area to assess any potential hidden need. Mandatory repair grant This is a grant made available by the Housing Executive to landlords who have been served a repair notice by the council. Neighbourhood Renewal Government departments and agencies working in partnership to tackle disadvantage and deprivation. Net Stock Model An assessment of housing need at a Northern Ireland level, using net household projections. NIFHA Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations. NISRA Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Oil buying clubs Oil buying clubs are designed to help consumers reduce their costs by purchasing oil orders in bulk as part of a group. PCSPs Policing and Community Safety Partnerships. PPS Planning Policy Statement. SCNI Supporting Communities Northern Ireland provides training and funding for community groups. Shared Housing These are communities where people choose to live with others regardless of their religion or race, in a neighbourhood that is safe and welcoming to all. SHDP Social Housing Development Programme, the SHDP provides grant to housing associations to build social housing. The programme is managed by the Housing Executive on a three-year rolling basis. Smartmove Housing This is a charitable organisation offering advice; support and accommodation to people that are homeless and in acute housing need.

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Social Enterprise Social enterprises are businesses with primarily social objectives whose profits are reinvested to achieve these objectives in a community. Social Rented Housing Social Rented Housing is housing provided at an affordable rent by the Housing Executive and registered housing associations; that is, housing associations, which are registered and regulated by the Department for Communities as a social housing provider. Social rented accommodation is offered in accordance with the Common Selection Scheme, administered by the Housing Executive, which prioritises households who are living in unsuitable or insecure accommodation. SPOD Small Pockets of Deprivation is a delivery vehicle for neighbourhood renewal. Stock Transfer Programme The aim of the Stock Transfer Programme is to deliver major refurbishment works to social homes through transfer of stock from the Housing Executive to housing associations. Supported Housing A term used to describe a range of both long and short-term accommodation provided for people who need an additional level of housing related support to help them lead an independent life. Supporting People Programme The Supporting People Programme is designed to provide housing related support to prevent difficulties that can typically lead to hospitalisation, homelessness or institutional care and can aid a smooth transition to independent living for those leaving an institutionalised environment. TBUC The Northern Ireland Executive Together Building a United Community Strategy containing objectives for a united and shared community and improved community relations.

50 51 www.nihe.gov.uk RS/184/06/17