17 September 2026

SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has said plans for a new Homelessness Commission must lead to concrete action to prevent people reaching crisis point and strengthen protections for those at risk of losing their home.

Mr Durkan said the Commission should consider SDLP proposals to strengthen homelessness prevention and called on Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to address the shortage of social housing and act on changes that can be made now.

Mark H Durkan MLA said:

"Few will disagree with the Minister that preventing homelessness is better than picking up the pieces afterwards. The question is whether he is prepared to follow that recognition with action. We already know people are reaching crisis point who could have been helped much sooner.

"The SDLP has already proposed a legal duty on public bodies to prevent homelessness and cooperate when someone is at risk, alongside extending the threatened with homelessness window to six months. We believe the Minister needs to seriously consider these proposals through this proposed Commission’s work.

"Poor mental health, addiction, poverty, relationship breakdown and leaving care can all contribute to someone losing their home. People are still being failed in the gaps between Housing, Health, Justice and other services. Complex Lives has shown what can be achieved when agencies work together, but that kind of coordinated support needs to be available whenever someone is at risk.

"There is also an uncomfortable reality behind the Minister’s claims about progress. We simply do not have enough homes. The 1,765 social housing starts last year are welcome, but they remain well short of what is needed. We need at least 2,500 new social homes every year, better use of public land and action on the infrastructure problems holding development back. The real measure of progress is fewer families waiting for a home and fewer people stuck in temporary accommodation.

"The SDLP will engage constructively with this Commission, but it cannot become a place to park difficult decisions until the next mandate. Gordon Lyons is the Communities Minister now and there are steps he can take immediately to protect people at risk of homelessness. This process should help drive those changes through, not delay them."