Local authority housing output, including both new build and acquisitions, amounted to 5,022 units last year – an increase of 1,815 units or 57% on the 2000 output of 3,207 units. This was the highest level of local authority housing completions in over 15 years. In addition, 7,000 local authority housing starts were achieved in 2001 and I am confident that the high level of work currently in progress under the multi-annual programme introduced by the Government should deliver 5,500 completions this year.
Statutory assessments of local authority housing needs are undertaken on a three yearly basis, with the next assessment to be carried out by each local housing authority at the end of March. The results of the statutory assessment undertaken at end March 1999 indicated a total of 39,176 households in need of local authority housing. From ongoing contacts between my Department and local authorities, it is evident that the aggregate level of housing needs has increased since that time. However, an accurate count of needs will only be established by the statutory assessment.
The Government is addressing increased social housing needs as a priority through the voluntary housing programmes and other complementary social housing measures, as well as the local authority housing programmes. Last year also saw the highest ever level of voluntary housing output with 1,250 units completed. This compared to 951 units completed in 2000 and 579 units in 1999. Output from all social housing measures along with vacancies occurring in the existing rented housing stock enabled the housing needs of approximately 11,000 households to be met last year. Again, this is the highest level of social housing provision for almost 20 years.