People urged to apply for NIHE home in social housing test

The SDLP said it has secured ‘latent demand testing’ for rural housing in Maghery.

Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly is calling on those who require social housing to take part in the latent demand test.

Mrs Kelly said; “The Housing Executive will be seeking to discover if any hidden demand for social and affordable housing exists in the Maghery area and they will be carrying out a number of exercises to determine the extent of that demand.

“The SDLP recognises the growing pressures from rural communities for local and affordable homes. We are delighted to have secured this latent demand test and I would encourage everyone who needs a house, who will need a house in the near future or who wants to return back home to Maghery to take advantage of this exercise.

“Given the extraordinary times we are currently living in, it is hoped the latent demand test can take place in 2020/21.

The Upper Bann MLA pointed out that a similar process in the Derrytrasna area had resulted in a planned social housing development for 14 units which is due to start within this financial year 2020/21 with Ark Housing Association.

SDLP Councillor Eamon McNeill added; “This is particularly important for young people in Maghery who are planning to set up home within the next few years to get their names on the waiting list and register Maghery as an area of choice. The numbers on the housing waiting list will dictate whether or not a future building programme for the area will take place. The development of rural housing also contributes to the sustainability of services such as rural schools and sporting organisations.

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