To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any ways his Department’s housing policy balances supporting older people who wish to move to more suitable accommodation, with ensuring such moves are voluntary, and not driven by pressure or insecurity.

The Supporting People programme funds a range of housing related support services for older people including sheltered/continued independent living in later life accommodation, supported accommodation and floating support. These services provide person-centred support, designed around individual needs and preferences, and are focused on empowering older people to make informed decisions about their housing. As set out in the Supporting People Policy Framework NI, provisions are made to support older people to remain in their own home or to transition to a form of supported housing accommodation which endeavours to maintain independent living.

This issue is also an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“The Housing Executive operates a housing solutions and support model when customers approach us for housing assistance. Housing Advisors engage with customers to understand their individual needs and to help them explore their housing and support options. Typically, the main options for any customer will be to stay in their current accommodation, or to move accommodation, with support as required for both of these options.

In the case of older applicants, the ‘stay’ option might be facilitated through the provision of floating support or through delivery of an adaptation to their current dwelling. The ‘move’ option could be a move to ‘Independent Living Plus’ accommodation (Sheltered) or from a multi-story dwelling to a level access property. Housing solutions and support advice should be offered in a balanced manner. Housing Executive policy is clear that the decision is for the customer to make, having been provided with comprehensive advice on the practical and realistic options available. Our Housing Advisors will guide and support the customer to make an informed decision about their preferred option. They will not lead or unduly influence the customer to favour one viable option over another.

Housing Advisors will not allow third parties to make decisions on behalf of customers unless a lack of capacity is confirmed and, in these instances, the third party must be empowered by the Office of Care and Protection to make the decision in question. Where a Housing Advisor suspects there may be undue pressure being placed on an older or vulnerable customer, they will follow our internal Safeguarding Policy.”

My Department has provided £8 million in Financial Transactions Capital (FTC) funding to Co-Ownership, our primary delivery partner for intermediate housing, to operate its Co-Own for Over 55s pilot. This novel affordable housing option was designed in response to our ageing population, providing an innovative housing solution for older people, supporting them to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. With Co-Own for Over 55s, Co-Ownership can help homeowners aged 55 or over to purchase a home that is right for them as they age.

Gordon Lyons MLA

16 March 2026