Availability and access to good quality, secure and affordable housing is a central focus for Election 2016. The true scale of the current housing market is not only reflected in the housing waiting lists and homelessness figures but as a broader issue encompassing households forced out of the rental market e.g. those living in overcrowded accommodation, young people unable to move out of the family home, key workers, older and disabled people in inappropriate accommodation.
Investment in housing is a key economic driver through the creation of employment and training, enhanced labour mobility and economic activity for associated suppliers leading to a strong local economic multiplier as well as increased return to the exchequer. More importantly, a good home provides stability and a platform for improved educational attainment for children, reduction of health problems and the placement of excessive demands on the hospital and health care systems. Housing, and in particular, social housing provision are key to ensuring sustainable economic growth and housing associations have a key role to play in delivery of a range of housing options.
In what often becomes a complex debate on housing supply, the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) has proposed a number of simple solutions which will effectively address many obstacles to housing delivery as well as contribute to a more sustainable housing system.
Full details of these 4 key pledges is available in the ICSH Election Briefing.
