Value for money now topping the housing agenda - Ritchie 06 October 2008
As part of the New Housing Agenda she asked Housing Associations to work together in groups when procuring services to build more social and affordable homes for rent. Taxpayers, through economies of scale and sharing of expertise, will now get more value for money.
The Minister launched the new Housing Procurement Strategy at the tenth anniversary dinner of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) permanent offices in Northern Ireland at Malone House Belfast. Margaret Ritchie pledged her support for the work of the CIH and said: “I am providing the finance to increase the social housing new build programme significantly – but that is not enough. We must also make money go further. More houses for the same money.
“The new procurement strategy makes sense. Housing Associations working together will have much more clout in buying the services required to build new homes than if they were working individually. Remember, this is taxpayers money, and I am determined that it is spent as effectively as possible. I look forward, especially in the present housing climate, of seeing the procurement strategy in action.”
Responding to the Minister’s initiative, CIH President Steve Benson said: "The CIH will support the housing sector to build on existing partnerships to enhance value for public investment in housing. The success of the housing sector in Northern Ireland lies in its ability to work collectively towards a common goal of greater investment in housing, more social and affordable housing, better standards and improve delivery of services. The CIH looks forward to another ten years of upskilling the sector as it prepares for new challenges and opportunities ahead."
Notes to Editors:
- The event, to mark the tenth anniversary of the CIH offices in Northern Ireland took place in Malone House, Belfast 2 October 2008.
- The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), which exists to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities, has contributed significantly the debate among the sector in finding long term responses to ensuring greater levels of social housing, and meeting housing need among communities.
- CIH is the professional body for people involved in housing and communities and a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. There is a growing membership of over 20,000 – both in the public and private sectors – living and working in over 20 countries on five continents across the world working for local authorities, housing associations, Arms Length Management Organisations, Government bodies, educational establishments and the private sector. Many tenants and residents are also members.
- CIH exists to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities. Further information is available at: www.cih.org
- For further news media information please contact Paddy Murphy DSD Press Office on 02890 829497 or CIH - Grainia Long on 028 90778222, Mobile 07825 981880. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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