The Chartered Institute of Housing and Homeless Connect have written to the Department of Finance warning that proposed departmental budget cuts will impede the delivery of social homes and have “severe consequences” for vulnerable members of society.

Pending the appointment of a new minister for communities following the revival of the Stormont Executive two days ago, 17 housing bodies have written to the permanent secretary at the DoF, Neil Gibson, stating that 450 fewer social homes are likely to be delivered this year due to the proposed budget.

The letter reveals that the budget for the current fiscal year is “inadequate”, and projects that it will result in starts on fewer than 1,500 social homes, which is below Stormont’s target to build 1,950 social homes per year.