The Halting of Home Assistance Repair Grants

The Stormont executive remained inactive for a prolonged period as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) engaged in a contentious dispute with the European Union and Westminster over the protocol. Despite a challenging cost of living crisis, the DUP remained steadfast in their decision to abstain from government, citing their perceived voter-given mandate as support for their stance. However, it was unclear if the voters fully understood that they were essentially supporting the DUP's exclusion from positions of influence.

During a televised leaders debate on May 3rd, 2022, Jeffrey Donaldson, the then-DUP leader, faced questioning regarding his party's potential government formation after the election. Donaldson's response was intentionally evasive, avoiding a straightforward answer. However, despite the announcement of the election results, the DUP remained firm in its decision not to reenter the Stormont assembly.

The extended period without the DUP in government had significant consequences for the people of Northern Ireland. While the devolved institutions stagnated, public services continued to decline. Strikes, particularly those led by healthcare workers and teachers, drew attention to the critical condition of essential services. Protestors gathered outside the walls of Stormont, fiercely advocating for funding to support children with special educational needs. These issues received considerable attention, yet one result of the executive's absence went mostly unnoticed: the reductions in Housing Executive funding.

Although the problem of insufficient social housing has gained significant media coverage, there is a lesser-known development regarding the Housing Executive's decision to temporarily halt new applications to the Discretionary Grants scheme. This programme features the essential Home Repair Assistance Grant, which enables individuals to seek assistance for repairs to their homes. As part of the scheme, the Housing Executive assesses the necessary work. If it is considered to be exceptional, the application is then sent to the Exceptional Circumstances Committee for approval and to determine the amount of the grant.

Regrettably, the Exceptional Circumstances Committee has been unable to convene since 2022 due to the absence of a government and subsequent budget constraints. Due to current circumstances, individuals who have already had their homes assessed as meeting the exceptional criteria have been notified that their applications cannot proceed at this time.

Despite the Stormont Executive's return and the significant £3.3 billion package secured by the DUP, the grants have not been reinstated as of yet. Surprisingly, in the financial year 2022–23, there was only a slight decrease of 15 Home Repair Assistance Grants paid out compared to the previous year. In the year 2023/24, the number of grants awarded decreased significantly, with only 16 being given out, a decrease of 29. The executive has only issued one grant since its formation in February 2024. The lack of progress is a cause for concern, as it raises questions about the government's dedication to resolving the issue and offering the necessary support to homeowners in need.

When asked about the grants by the SDLP's Matthew O'Toole, Gordon Lyons, the Minister of Communities, acknowledged that budget constraints have restricted the availability of discretionary grants, including the Home Repair Assistance Grant. However, my email received no response when I inquired about the one grant he had awarded during his tenure. The absence of openness and responsibility only intensifies the frustration and uncertainty experienced by individuals in dire need of help.

The Home Repair Assistance Grant's halt has far-reaching consequences. Residents in homes classified as exceptional may experience a worsening of their living conditions, which could inevitably result in their homes becoming unfit to live in, leading to these individuals joining the housing list. 

To draw attention to the importance of the matter, I contacted MLAs from five different political parties on behalf of an individual who is anxiously awaiting the Home Repair Assistance Grant. Although one party proposed the idea of obtaining a loan as a potential solution, two other parties contacted the Housing Executive on behalf of the individual. These parties were well aware that budget constraints, not administrative matters, were the root cause of the problem. However, two parties failed to respond, leaving the homeowner feeling neglected and without a voice.

With public services in decline and homeowners facing difficulties with property maintenance, it is crucial to take immediate action to restore the grant and offer the essential support required. It is crucial for politicians to prioritise the well-being of their constituents and collaborate to find a solution that guarantees the fair and equitable distribution of resources.