Explaining the importance of social housing tenants making their voices heard, Jennie Cornell of the Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR) Project said:

“Social housing provision is changing and it is not changing for the better. What is missing from the ‘future of social housing’ debate is the voice of social housing residents - particularly the homeless, those in housing stress, those who live in overcrowded accommodation, those whose homes are blighted with damp or other health hazards which seriously affect their quality of life and ultimately their life expectancy.”

Jenny adds:

“Despite huge amounts of investment, inequality on the housing waiting list has barely been touched, residents in housing associations pay service charges far in excess of what NIHE tenants do and often the service they receive is no better.

“The on-line survey is a first step to ensure that decisions about social housing are no longer made without consulting those who live in the housing.  We are encouraging residents and residents’ associations to take just a few minutes to complete this survey and be part of this inquiry.”   

The on-line survey will be available to residents for the next 6 months.  Anyone who wishes to take part in the survey but does not have internet access is advised to contact PPR directly and arrangements will be made to allow their views to be taken on board. 

The importance of such direct consultation is evident from the experience of residents of the Seven Towers in north Belfast.  In October last year they undertook a similar survey process
the findings of which were at considerable odds with official surveys conducted on behalf of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive :

At the International Inquiry a panel of international human rights experts will hear testimony from representatives of the World Health Organisation, urban geographers, architects and residents from the Seven Towers in north Belfast and other areas.

Following the Inquiry and consideration of verbal and written evidence, the International Panel will be making a series of formal recommendations. The recommendations will be presented to the Minister for Social Development and the NI Assembly’s Social Development Committee.

For further information on the survey contact PPR on 02890 32 6980 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it