Stormont’s Public Accounts Committee has recommended changes to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Right to Buy Scheme. The inquiry aims to expand housing stock and reduce homelessness rates across Northern Ireland.

Kellie Armstrong, Alliance MLA for Strangford and housing spokesperson, stated the homelessness crisis worsens due to insufficient investment in prevention efforts and continued home sales under the scheme. She noted homeless families on social housing waiting lists rose by more than 10,000 over the past five years.

Armstrong highlighted the lack of a statutory duty to prevent homelessness. Funding for the Supporting People programme, which sustains tenancies, has not risen to match demand.

Inadequate social housing stock contributes to higher homelessness numbers, according to Armstrong. The Housing Executive sells hundreds of homes annually despite this shortage.

Alliance proposed last year that new Right to Buy applications be frozen. Armstrong renewed the call for an immediate pause on sales until social housing stabilizes. She said the minister holds authority to implement such measures promptly.

The Right to Buy Scheme enables tenants to purchase homes at discounts, a policy that has reduced public stock since its introduction.