Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any plans he has to future proof (i) existing; and (ii) new social housing in terms of energy efficiency.
Minister for Communities: (i) The Housing Executive faces a significant and urgent investment requirement to maintain and upgrade its housing stock, ensuring homes remain safe, of good quality and environmentally sustainable for tenants.
I continue to press for urgent agreement that would enable the Housing Executive to borrow and invest directly in its homes. I am seeking agreement for interim arrangements to support essential short-term investment in Housing Executive homes. This would help address immediate investment pressures while longer-term solutions are progressed.
DfC officials have been supporting the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations to explore the potential for social housing providers to access Financial Transactions Capital loan funding to retrofit their least energy efficient housing stock. If funding is approved, energy efficiency interventions will include fabric improvements alongside provision for renewable technologies including heat pumps.
The proposed revised Decent Homes Standard strengthens energy efficiency requirements through improved insulation, heating and ventilation, with a desirable EPC Band C target by 2030 where feasible.
(ii) Currently, all new social housing must be built to the energy efficiency standards set by Building Regulations.
ENDS
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