To ask the Minister for Communities, in addition to the construction of more properties, to detail what other initiatives she is planning in order to house the approximate 44,000 households currently on the social housing waiting list.

I have set out an ambitious and long-term plan to deliver for those in most housing need. My plan includes:

Revitalising the Housing Executive so that it can borrow, invest in its homes and, ultimately, start building again.

Introducing reform of the social housing allocations system with the aim of ensuring that it is effective, fair and based on objective need;

Improving the Private Rented Sector so it provides a safe and secure housing option for those that need it;

Expanding the range of affordable intermediate housing options available, including developing a new intermediate rent product to provide an additional supply of good quality, well managed and maintained homes, which are affordable for lower income families; and

Developing a Housing Supply Strategy to provide a framework for addressing those whole system issues that impact on housing supply and the delivery of the right volume and types of homes to meet our changing housing need and demand. Most recently this work has included a joint workshop with DFI and other stakeholders to examine potential strategic and tactical solutions in relation to wastewater capacity issues.