T6. Ms Armstrong asked the Minister for Communities, having thanked him for his comments about Ulster-Scots culture and welcomed those comments as a former festival Irish dancer, about the reaction that he has had from Westminster when he has raised the issue of the housing crisis and the need for investment in Northern Ireland. (AQT 516/22-27)

I had the opportunity, in recent weeks, to meet a number of UK Government Ministers, Northern Ireland Office officials and others in housing, and I have expressed to them the issues around housing in Northern Ireland. The main issue that I have been progressing with them is the need for Treasury to change its rules around the Housing Executive so that we can see better maintenance of our stock and more housebuilding in Northern Ireland. I believe that is something that the Government have taken on board.

Thank you, Minister. You mentioned that the housing strategy is coming forward. Can you share with the House what priorities you will have to ensure that all people have access to an appropriate home to prevent homelessness?

Homelessness is a key priority for me, not only because of the seriousness of the situation but because of how much we currently need to spend at the end, when it is most expensive. We should invest earlier to make sure that we prevent homelessness rather than address it when it arrives. The housing supply strategy is so important because all the bits fit together, and all the different tenures are important for increasing supply. In order to do that, there are many different partners against many different Departments. That is why I have been progressing that work at pace.