By December 31st, 2020, the social-housing waiting list stood at 42,665, data released by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) following a freedom-of-information request shows. The numbers on the waiting list in Belfast stood at 11,675 by the end of last year, with 2,835 people waiting in north Belfast, 4,140 in west Belfast and 4,700 in south and east Belfast. Some 70 per cent are “priority” applicants, according to figures on the economic and social impact of the pandemic released to Belfast-based website the Detail, aided by the European Journalism Covid-19 Support Fund. However, Kelan McClelland, head of homeless-prevention services at Simon Community, said the figures “show the pressure” facing the housing executive, with demand exceeding availability at each of Simon’s 25 projects across the North. Figures released by the housing executive to the Detail showed that total rent arrears in NIHE tenancies increased by £2.12 million since February 2020.

Source: The Irish Times February 12, 2021 06:00 UTC