Debate contribution: Homelessness: Emergency Accommodation

Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on 29 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Gordon Lyons
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 29 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Homelessness: Emergency Accommodation
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5761400

Text

Yes. I say clearly to the Member that the First Minister has not allowed a paper on to the Executive agenda that would have prioritised homelessness prevention. How often in this place do we talk about the need to prevent homelessness? Mr Gildernew has just asked me about the cost of temporary accommodation. It is out of control. We need to do something about it. I want to take a new approach. I want to invest in homelessness prevention, but I was unable to get the money that was required. I asked for a relatively small sum of money overall, but I was not able to get it. I am still doing other work in the absence of support from Sinn Féin Ministers. I introduced a ring-fenced budget for strategic homelessness prevention. I have gone ahead and ring-fenced it again this year. I have allocated over £9 million to the New Foundations project and £10 million for the loan to acquire move-on accommodation (LAMA) scheme to help homelessness organisations to buy secure homes. However, I have not had the support required. We need to start dealing with the issue earlier. I have a proposal, but the First Minister has not accepted it.

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

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification