Concerns about the speed of the response to the homelessness crisis were voiced at a roundtable event attended by homelessness groups. Sinn Féin communities spokesperson Colm Gildernew said the sector has significant worries about the lack of urgency from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. He highlighted steep increases in house prices and rents that are pushing more people into homelessness, and called for legislation to prevent homelessness, including a statutory duty and a bill to extend the period the Housing Executive must support those threatened with homelessness. Gildernew noted that almost two and a half years into the role, the minister has not introduced any legislation to support renters or prevent homelessness.

The minister launched Northern Ireland’s first Affordable Rent programme on the same day. The scheme involves a £61.5 million investment, delivered through a partnership with housing provider Maple and May, to supply 300 private rented homes at rates set 20 percent below local market rents. The Department for Communities funding is provided as a low-interest long-term loan. Maple and May will secure an additional £10.8 million in private capital finance and around £50 million in private revenue finance, taking the total project investment past £122 million.

The first homes will become available in Dungannon, with further developments in Newry, Craigavon, Lisburn, and Londonderry scheduled within the current financial year. Future phases aim to target locations including Belfast. Eligibility is based on household income, capped at net annual earnings of £30,000 for a single-adult household and £40,000 for a two-adult household. The properties are expected to be available from summer 2026, with advertising planned via the Maple and May website, Property Pal, and Property News. Tenancy agreements of up to five years and flexible deposit options will be offered, according to Maple and May.

Lyons described the scheme as a landmark initiative that could be transformational for the housing market. He said the use of loan funding enables him to direct capital investment towards more social housing, reducing pressure on waiting lists as the model expands over time. The initiative is part of the Housing Supply Strategy.

Gildernew repeated his call for urgent action, stating that the minister needs to bring forward much-needed legislation to tackle systemic issues driving homelessness.