Accommodation for Vulnerable Households: Northern Ireland
Monday, 2 November 2026
Contributions
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)Democratic Unionist Party
8. What discussions her Department has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on improving access to suitable accommodation for vulnerable households.
The Minister for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith (Florence Eshalomi)Labour (Co-op)
Responsibility for supported accommodation in Northern Ireland is devolved, as the hon. Gentleman knows. In England we are implementing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 to strengthen local oversight, improve quality and ensure that councils assess local needs, and we will continue to work with our devolved Governments.
I thank the Minister for her answer; she probably knows what my question is going to be. Veterans across this United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland suffering trauma find it very difficult to find accommodation. As mental health is so complex, no two people have the same needs, making a case-by-case assessment essential. What discussions has the Minister had with the relevant Department and the Northern Ireland Assembly to ascertain what help can be given to veterans? I understand that the Barnett consequential has set aside moneys for homelessness, so there might be a methodology for providing help.
I agree with the hon. Gentleman that people have complex mental health needs and that our veterans face various issues. Each case has to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. I come back to my original response: as the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a devolved issue in Northern Ireland. However, I am always open to looking at the learning and at options that we can share across England to ensure that we end rough sleeping and homelessness for good.
Source: UK Parliament Hansard API. Debate ID: 5429435.