Single people make up almost half social housing waiting list in Derry & Strabane.

In its annual Housing Plan for the Council area, it outlined how there were around 4,661 social housing applicants on the waiting list, with the majority, 3,603 in housing stress. Over 2,000 single people are waiting to be housed, accounting for 48% of the total number of applicants, while older persons make up 13 %.

Last year saw a major increase in the number of social homes completed locally with 505 newbuilds, with a further 808 on site in Derry & Strabane by March 2020.

Last year meanwhile saw 764 applicants being allotted new or existing social homes.

Clarke Bailie, HE Chief Executive, said: “There remains a lot of work to be done to meet housing need, to improve housing stock and to provide support for the most vulnerable in our community. We will continue to play our part to ensure this work is delivered efficiently and effectively.”

Councillors were told at a meeting this week that this has been an unprecedented year with the COVID-19 outbreak making it necessary to change way services were delivered.

The Housing Executive currently funds 70 local accommodation based services for almost 1,366 service users in the Council area as well as 12 floating support services for 496 service users.

Last year, it also approved 188 disabled facilities grants and a number of repair and renovation grants totalling £2.79m.

HE North Regional Manager, Frank O’Connor, said: “We are committed to investing in the Derry City & Strabane area, to improve the lives of people in our community.”