Debate contribution: Social Housing Fraud
Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on .
- MLA
- Mr Gordon Lyons
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 15 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Social Housing Fraud
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5614120
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I have made it a priority to protect our social homes as valuable public assets, because every house matters. In 2024, my Department initiated a review of tenancy fraud policies and practices and established a collaborative forum, namely the tenancy fraud oversight group. That group works closely with the Housing Executive, registered housing associations and other key partners, including with representatives from the UK Tenancy Fraud Forum, to develop a more coordinated and effective approach to tackling tenancy fraud, identifying key issues and sharing best practice. Over a year ago, I tasked officials with taking forward short-, medium- and long-term actions in relation to that review. Those actions include a clause in the Administrative and Financial Provisions Bill to allow a specialist team within the Housing Executive to investigate tenancy fraud on behalf of registered housing associations. I hosted Northern Ireland’s first conference on tenancy fraud, in November 2025, bringing together experts from across the UK to share lessons learned. I also committed to publishing proposals for consultation, including plans for ambitious new legislation and an overarching strategy on tenancy fraud and misuse. Those will be brought forward by the end of this month. I am glad to have the support of the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO), which recently recognised the value of that work.
216 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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