Debate contribution: Housebuilding: Capacity Issues

Debate contribution by Mrs Deborah Erskine on 29 June 2026.

MLA: Mrs Deborah Erskine
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 29 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Housebuilding: Capacity Issues
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5645074

Text

Minister, you did not mention the removal of the zero-detriment policy, which is a concern that I have. That is worrying for anybody who sits in the Chamber, and for the construction industry in particular. I got a response from you today, to a question for written answer, stating that with the removal of the zero-detriment policy, an estimated 80% of house enquiries that can currently be supported will not be able to be connected. That is huge. That means that people will not be able access housing in Northern Ireland. It is vital that that policy remains in place for the construction industry. Minister, in the same answer, you indicated that you are doing all that you can to get more money to increase capacity, but you have been trying for some time. The money is not coming — there is no magic money tree — so will you urgently ask the AERA Minister to rethink that policy change because it will have a massive impact on the economy in Northern Ireland?

173 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2515/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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