By Neil Merrick
Lord Best is to chair a commission being set up to look into the future of housing in Northern Ireland.
Lord Best is to chair a commission being set up to look into the future of housing in Northern Ireland.The commission, backed by the Northern Ireland Executive, will examine the role of housing in social and economic development following devolution two years ago.
It will also study the effects of the recent downturn in the housing market and assess how the sector should respond during the next decade.
Lord Best, who has a long history of campaigning for housing and social reform, said: ‘I have been struck by the progress made in housing policy and practice in recent years, particularly since the restoration of devolution, and by the level of partnership working across the housing sector.’
Other organisations backing the commission include the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, the Chartered Institute of Housing and bodies representing construction employers and voluntary groups.
An interactive website was launched on April 8. The first evidence-gathering session will be held in Belfast on May 7, with a final report likely to be published by early 2010.
Grainia Long, who is principal policy adviser to the commission, said housing had benefited substantially from devolution.
It had led to a series of government initiatives, including proposed reforms to the planning system.
Long said: ‘The commission is a timely opportunity to contribute to, and build on, that work and create a long-term vision for housing.’
