§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assessments have been made, and how recently, of the needs within Belfast City for (a) old people's housing, (b) sheltered housing and (c) self-contained accommodation for the physically handicapped; and how they expect that these needs will be met over the next three years.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Skelmersdale)This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which publishes annual reviews of housing needs, including those for the eldery and the physically handicapped.
The Housing Executive's 1989 review estimated that for the years 1990 to 1993 there was a need in Belfast for 1,100 units of accommodation for the elderly. This is planned to be met by the executive building all its single storey accommodation to full mobility standard (which is suitable for the elderly) and by housing associations providing largely sheltered accommodation specifically designed for the 33WA elderly. The review also estimated a need for 70 new-build units for the physically handicapped in addition to adaptations to existing dwellings for the handicapped as required. In order to provide a more precise database, the Housing Executive is now working closely with the Northern Ireland Federation 34WA of Housing Associations and with area health and social services boards to establish the full extent and location of housing needs for special groups throughout the Province.
I have arranged for a copy of the review to be placed in the Library.