Derry City and Strabane District Council councillors have asked the Housing Executive for confirmation on the implementation of changes to the social housing points system. The request came at the March Governance and Strategic Planning meeting.

Councillor Farrell proposed that the council contact the Housing Executive to check if amendments under Stage 4 of the Fundamental Review of Allocations will proceed this autumn. He noted that current plans include shifting from allocating homes by highest points to banding by points levels combined with waiting list duration. He added that changed circumstances could now reduce points, unlike the existing no-detriment protection.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy backed the proposal. She stated that training in her housing sector role indicates the review will advance in September or October. She said the changes aim to address complaints about fairness, with some waiting years for housing.

In a separate council discussion, members considered adopting a policy on data centre planning applications. This followed correspondence from the Infrastructure Minister assigning local government oversight. The proposed policy would require assurances that data centres do not affect social housing, healthcare, education, or utility services for homes and businesses.

During a deputation from Department for the Economy, the Utility Regulator, SONI, and NIE Networks, councillor Shaun Harkin asked SONI CEO Alan Campbell about the absence of central policy on data centres. Campbell replied that SONI remains neutral on sectors seeking grid connections but welcomes policy if facing large-scale influxes. He noted challenges from uncontrolled growth elsewhere but confirmed SONI can handle current projects, including one live offer and one early-stage application in Northern Ireland.

SONI operates the electricity transmission system and plans for future energy needs in Northern Ireland.