To ask the Minister for Communities to provide an update on her Department’s consultation on a new policy to introduce an Intermediate Rent model in Northern Ireland.

Intermediate Rent intends to provide a new supply of more affordable housing for rent which offers good quality, more secure, below market rent homes for lower income households.

The Department has consulted on outline proposals around the shape of an Intermediate Rent model here including detail on funding, delivery and tenancy arrangements, and published a Consultation Outcome Report in March 2022 setting out the feedback received, the Department’s response, and next steps to be taken.

Work is ongoing to conclude the policy, legislative, and financial assistance model requirements to enable practical implementation. Completion of these remaining actions will support with the introduction of an Intermediate for Rent model here as soon as is practicable, and I intend to bring forward a final policy and financial assistance model upon completion of these identified actions.