Housing Rights recently held its Private Rented Sector Conference on the 20th November at the Skainos Centre.
Kate McCauley, Chief Executive Officer at Housing Rights said,
“Now in its 11th year, our annual Private Rented Sector Conference keeps the focus on the improvements needed to make the private rented sector fit for purpose in Northern Ireland. By keeping the focus on the changes needed to law, policy and practice, the event plays a pivotal role in bringing tenants, landlords and other stakeholders together with policy makers to share experience, learn from best practice and drive improvements.”
This year’s conference, which was chaired by Professor Paddy Gray and addressed by the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, examined the key issues in the Private Rented Sector, including unprecedented rent inflation and increasing levels of homelessness. It identified strides that can be made to deliver a safer, more sustainable sector for all. It featured keynote addresses from prominent housing professionals and experts, thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive workshops aimed at addressing the challenges and seizing opportunities within the private rented sector.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said; “I was delighted to deliver the keynote address at the Housing Rights conference and outline my ambitious programme to increase housing supply and improve the private rented sector for those that need it.
“Delivering on our housing needs requires a whole system approach and I look forward to working with partners across the public, private and voluntary and community sectors, including many of those attending the conference, throughout the remainder of this mandate.”
Innovating the Private Rented Sector: conference highlights included:
1. Examining changes to law and policy here and elsewhere: The conference heard from experts involved in shaping and influencing housing policy in the UK, Ireland and Europe, with attendees actively engaging in discussions which ranged from affordability difficulties to issues facing vulnerable tenants, including older people, and how the sector needs to prepare to meet the challenges of the housing crisis.
2. Listening to the views and experiences of tenants: The conference heard from tenants and experts by experience about the issues impacting on their housing and the value of meaningful participation in policy making and influencing housing decisions which impact on their lives.
3. Learning from new initiatives: The conference explored new initiatives to address pressing issues with workshops on affordable housing, fuel poverty and energy efficiency.
4. Networking with sector stakeholders: the conference continues to provide opportunities for tenants, landlords as well as academics, practitioners and policy makers to build relationships which support policy and practice developments.
Eamonn Hunt, Head of Tenancy Deposit Scheme, conference sponsor and speaker said,
“TDS is proud to sponsor Housing Rights’ annual Private Rented Sector Conference. This landmark conference brings together housing experts and professionals and allows for collaboration across the sector to shape the future of housing to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable and dignified living conditions.”
Key Speakers:
Speakers at Housing Rights’ Annual Private Rented Sector Conference included:
- Gordon Lyons MLA – Minister for Communities
- Jordan Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer - PropertyPal
- Anna Evans – Director, Indigo House
- Juha Kaakinen – Professor of Practice, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University
- Michael Byrne – Lecturer in Political Economy, UCD
- Kellie Armstrong MLA
- Ciara Ferguson MLA
- Cllr. Séamas de Faoite
- Connel McKenna – Simon Community
- Justin Cartwright – Director, CIH NI
- Renters’ Voice members
Contact Housing Rights for further information.
