Cara Hunter
East Londonderry · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />At Committee, we heard such compelling evidence from young people about why girls should have the choice of wearing trousers in school. Outside of the young people themselves, the conversations that we had with Menstruation Matters, particularly on the dignity piece about young girls and periods, really resonated with me.”
“I am happy to be here. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I fear that I will repeat a number of points that have been made this evening. As a relatively young woman — I am 30 now — I am absolutely baffled that we have to debate this issue. It is truly astonishing. If I did not have notes in front of me, I would have no words to say.”
“That is why it is so important to echo today that, despite the simplicity of this change, it will be so meaningful in protecting young girls and their dignity in a number of ways. We also often hear directly from young women that they simply want to be comfortable.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Ultimately, the Department of Education and the Minister will tell our young people, "Aspire to be the best that you can be. Get out into the world. You can do and be anything — but you cannot wear trousers". That is lunacy. It is lunacy and hypocrisy of the highest order.”
“<BR /> <BR />I find it extraordinary and depressing that this did not pass previously and that we have had to regroup. As the Chair of the Education Committee rightly said, this could be done at the stroke of a pen. It is nonsensical that we have to do it this way.”
“I thank the Member for his point, but, respectfully, I am not here to talk about other jurisdictions; I am here to talk about the rights of my constituents in East Derry and people right across the North.”
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Every one of 1,237 lines we hold for Cara Hunter, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 25.
“<BR /> <BR />I would like the Minister to emphasise the importance of schools having recycling schemes, which my SDLP colleague and councillor Paul Doherty does very well in west Belfast, to support parents with the rising cost of school uniforms. As for the impact on communities, between June and September last year, that scheme kitted out over 800 children before the new term. That is just one area, and it shows the demand and pressure that parents are under. Sadly, the cost of school uniforms has been an issue for years. We see recycling initiatives in some schools, and I would like them to be broadened out. It should be emphasised that those initiatives are so valuable, as well as being good for our environment.”
“The Children's Society estimates that half a million children across these islands have been sent home due to inappropriate school uniforms that are seen as policy violations. That undermines the very purpose of school uniforms, which is to create an equal playing field for students across these islands. <BR /> <BR />Furthermore, the rigid nature of school uniforms can disadvantage certain groups of young people, particularly young girls. Often, rigid school uniforms do not allow trousers to be worn. It needs to be mentioned that a more modern, flexible approach that allows the wearing of comfortable, practical clothing, such as leggings or trousers, would be helpful and would put young women at ease.”
“The financial burden is growing year-on-year, yet the uniform grant provided is the smallest across these islands. Northern Ireland lags far behind and offers only £73 for children under 15 and £78 for those over 15. We can do much better, so I welcome today's discussion about a uniform cap. <BR /> <BR />Branded items, such as blazers and embroidered sports kits, add to the burden and inflate the cost by up to 50%. Schools that require parents to buy from exclusive suppliers often make matters worse, as those retailers can charge up to 150% more than regular supermarkets. There is a need for reform. We must ask ourselves this: should any child should be excluded from school or sent home simply because their family cannot afford a school uniform? Of course not.”
“I welcome today's debate. The SDLP will support the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill at its Second Stage. Any discussion on potential capping of school uniform costs is most welcome. <BR /> <BR />School uniforms are meant to promote equality, discipline and school identity: in reality, their high costs create barriers for families across all our communities. A staggering 94% of parents believe that current uniform prices are unreasonable. The average cost of a uniform, including PE kit, stands at £378 for a post-primary-school child and £173 for a primary-school child. Those costs, we can all agree, are ridiculous and act as a barrier to education. Even more concerning, a 2020 report from the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) found that one third of parents fell into debt just to afford a school uniform.”
“The Executive see the weight of the problems that our people face, but the document does nothing more than provide vague, aspirational language as an illusion that they are solving those problems. It offers no hope, no real plan, no promises and no funding. I am incredibly disappointed in it.”
“That is disappointing, particularly for a sector that is remarkable for how effective it is in its campaigning. It will be disappointed today, as I am. <BR /> <BR />The document has chapters on "Building New Foundations" and "Shaping a Better Tomorrow", but it does not mention reform of the institutions. It talks about suicide only once. How can we prepare for a better tomorrow if we are not addressing the critical issues of today? I feel strongly that the document seems like an opportunity for the Executive to smile and have their photos taken, while being entirely non-committal on their policies, on funding and on any timelines and just hoping that the public will not notice.”
“That was a missed opportunity, and I am disappointed that it is not even alluded to in the document. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the inclusion of tackling poverty, after it was absent from the initial list of priorities, despite the lack of an anti-poverty strategy. Poverty is not going away; it is only worsening in our communities. It has a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of our constituents, disproportionately affecting women. It is madness that tackling poverty was not included in the initial proposals. <BR /> <BR />As a passionate Irish nationalist, I am genuinely surprised at the lack of cross-border engagement included in the Programme for Government. I am bewildered that the Irish language is mentioned only twice.”
“Whom will it help, how quickly and where? Those are some of the details that I and, I know, the public would love to see. <BR /> <BR />I find it strange that £2 million is mentioned in the Programme for Government for ending violence against women and girls, yet, just last year, we saw massive slashes of up to 50% in government funding to the likes of Women's Aid. I do not think that £2 million is anywhere near what we need to have an impact on ending violence against women and girls in the North of Ireland. The document mentions that the Executive want to have 100,000 programme participants: with £2 million of investment, that is £20 a participant. That is not a realistic amount of money. I have previously highlighted the lack of inclusion of spiking in the ending violence against women and girls strategy.”
“It is unfathomable to me that, even though the incidence of mental illness is 25% higher here than it is in the rest of these islands, suicide and suicide prevention are mentioned only once. There are roughly 200 suicide deaths every year in this place. It is incredible that that is not mentioned. <BR /> <BR />Mental health is mentioned on page 72. A lot of the emphasis in the Programme for Government is on pushing mental health support services back into the community. We all need community support. Mental health support in a community setting is a great thing, but there is no word on how it will be funded. <BR /> <BR />That is similar to the discussion of ending violence against women and girls. Page 35 refers to a joined-up approach and a challenge fund. Where will that go? What will it look like?”
“<BR /> <BR />One thing that I welcomed in the document is the emphasis on being trauma-informed. In our jobs, we all impact on people who have endured trauma, whether they are rape survivors or have been affected by the Troubles. Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. Our society is diverse and so is the trauma that our constituents have experienced. We have a particularly high level of adverse childhood experiences in the North of Ireland, so I welcome the fact that page 87 of the Programme for Government refers to upskilling our public-sector staff and making them more trauma-informed. <BR /> <BR />It really struck me that the document, which is nearly 100 pages long, mentions the word "suicide" only once. I am so disheartened. I am extremely passionate about suicide prevention.”
“I would have liked to see further detail on the workforce, which is, undoubtedly, stressed out, overworked and under-resourced, and there is no further detail on addressing ongoing waiting lists for our young people with ADHD and those with autism. To be honest, I found it an unbelievably vague document that will fail to bring confidence in our system, especially for those who have children with special educational needs. <BR /> <BR />I agree with Michelle's comments about how admirable Alma White is with her campaign, Caleb's Cause. She has put at the front of all our minds what happens to our young people with special educational needs, who are full of promise, when they transition out of school post 19. I thank her for her incredible dedication and commitment to that cause, and I hope that we can see more on that issue.”
“The pollution interrupted entire ecosystems, but, judging by the document, all we see coming forward is yet another plan with no tangible action. <BR /> <BR />Reading through the document as a member of the Education Committee, I welcomed the fact that there was a conversation and movement on a SEN reform agenda, but many parents of children with special educational needs will feel frustrated today. While that agenda is welcome, it is sad that it may take up to two years to complete. The Programme for Government took 13 months to be made, so I am bewildered by the lack of emphasis on supporting our young people with special educational needs.”
“With this Programme for Government, I am deeply saddened that reform to prevent another collapse has not been included or mentioned. If you do not reform how a Government function, can you really properly fix our public services? Can you really say that this place will not collapse yet again? One of the key pillars in the document is the mission of "Peace", but how can you have peace if you do not have political stability? I am disappointed, but, like the public listening today, I am, sadly, not surprised. <BR /> <BR />We have had significant discussion at length in the Chamber about the realities of things such as Lough Neagh, which is an environmental disaster that closed businesses in my constituency of East Derry due to pollution.”
“As a member of the Opposition, I welcome the opportunity to raise the aspects of the Programme for Government that I welcome and to highlight where the Executive have fallen short. I feel strongly that the document lacks the ambition that the public would have liked to see. <BR /> <BR />The Programme for Government agreed by the Executive this week is the first since the Government of 2011-15, but that is no cause for celebration. Many people of my age, including me, can reflect on the years when the institutions collapsed and on the lack of trust between the public and people like us — politicians — and the lack of faith in our institutions that that created. The previous draft Programme for Government, which was agreed in 2016, was never even delivered.”
“There are 1,079 delays to adaptations to the housing of people living with a disability. Minister, what are you doing to end those delays and speed things up?”
“<BR /> <BR />While a review is a step in the right direction — the Minister said during last week's Adjournment debate that change is on its way — our schools and our children deserve immediate action to rectify the inefficiencies. I call on the relevant people, such as the Minister, to re-examine and radically reform the current procurement process. We need a system that not only meets accreditation standards but ensures that every pound spent is an investment in the future of our young people and our education system. In his response to the debate, I urge the Minister to share what he will do about it.”
“For example, repairing a broken window costs £200 through the EA, yet you can get it repaired far more cheaply — for around £30 — through a local contractor. Such inflated costs really underscore the urgent need for reform in this area. <BR /> <BR />Today's discussion is about ensuring flexibility and significant savings for our schools. I am fully aware that trade unions have raised concerns about the burden that decentralising procurement may put on our teachers and our schools. Those concerns must be addressed, but the current model is clearly not delivering the benefits that we need in our schools. We must explore a balanced approach that offers greater autonomy without overburdening our hard-working school staff.”
“School principals have reported outrageous price discrepancies under the current system. For example, lighting equipment purchased through the EA procurement process costs £320 whilst the same product is available on Amazon for around £54. In another case, a washing machine cost £349 through the EA, yet a high street supplier can offer it for £190. Those figures are not merely numbers; they represent the funds that we see being wasted due to the current system. That money could be better spent on our young people and on improving educational outcomes, which is something that we all want. The far-reaching nature of the issue was well highlighted during last week's Adjournment debate . <BR /> <BR />As other Members have said, the cost of maintenance services is equally alarming.”
“I thank the party to my left for tabling this important motion. We support it and the DUP amendment. I fear that some of my comments may repeat what other Members have said, but I add my voice to those from across the Chamber to demand immediate and meaningful change in the way that schools procure essential goods and services That is a change that must deliver savings and improved outcomes for our schools and children. <BR /> <BR />First, I highlight our deep concern about the current rigid and inefficient procurement process. It is not streamlined or efficient; it fails to deliver value for money; and it causes significant issues for our schools. That failure is not just a bureaucratic shortcoming; it is a clear signal that the current system is flawed.”
“Mr Gildernew talked about the importance of recognising the strain that it puts on families in all of our communities. Brian Kingston said that PropertyPal reports that 73 enquiries are made about any rental property, which shows how competitive housing is becoming in the North. Mr Butler rightly said that, for us collectively, housing is our number-one issue. Therefore, as a collective in the Chamber, we must recognise that it needs to be a priority for the Executive. It certainly is for the Opposition. I know that we all feel devastated when we cannot help, so I would like the Minister to do all that he can and work with his Executive colleagues to ensure that the issue is resolved. Housing is a human right, not a privilege.”
“Thank you. I thank the Member for his intervention. It is really important to note that. I know, Minister, that you are tortured by me, but we need to hear a commitment from the wider Executive on the matter. It continues to grow and grow year-on-year and undoubtedly impacts on my constituents and those in other impressive areas across the North. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, I will touch on some Members' comments. Kellie Armstrong said that the issue of housing and rising rents is really impacting on the well-being of families here, adding stress to their everyday lives. Ms Nicholl spoke about the challenges that students face. Gerry Carroll mentioned the number of empty houses in the North that could be used yet lie empty today. Of course, we need to talk about the moments when landlords take advantage of tenants.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have the Minister tortured when it comes to the north coast, but it is important to reiterate that there is a unique dynamic in our coastal areas, which are tourist attractions. Those areas are squeezed. There are not enough rental properties on the market, and, therefore, rents are going through the roof. Single parents are struggling to pay their rent, because they have only one income. The situation is contributing to the collapse of our communities and forcing people to live elsewhere, which is heartbreaking to see.”
“<BR /> <BR />All the contributions today have mentioned data and statistics, but, ultimately, we are talking about real people. It is a daily reality for parents, students and hard-working individuals who have been forced, by the ever-rising costs, to sacrifice stability and security. It is important to recognise that it is not a personal failure of our constituents but a systemic failure: insufficient housing supply has placed pressure on some of our most vulnerable citizens. It is imperative that we invest in affordable housing, reform rental regulations and support initiatives that give families and students the stability that they desperately need and rightfully deserve.”
“Over the years, I have spoken to NUS-USI, which does a fantastic job in describing the lived experience of our students, who are undoubtedly impacted on by rogue landlords — not all landlords are like that, but there are certainly some — who know that our students are young; that, often, it is the first time that they have signed a rental contract; and that there is very little advice for them on how to do so. That means that students often experience damp in their houses, which has a negative impact on their health and studies. Alarmingly, two in five students have contemplated leaving their studies as a direct result of the crushing financial pressure of unaffordable housing and housing that is not fit for purpose.”
“The costs of paying for rent, electricity, heating and transport are an increasing pressure on parents. I spoke to one person who said, "As soon as my money goes in, it goes out, and we are all left with very little". Rental inflation has soared by as much as 9% this year, pushing average monthly rents to a record £942, which is totally unsustainable for working families here. Undoubtedly, the rising cost of rent has profound, far-reaching impacts on quality of life. Parents cannot afford to give their children a trip to the cinema, a birthday party or a new pair of school shoes, because they have no choice but to keep a roof over their heads. <BR /> <BR />Other Members have rightly mentioned the need to consider our student population.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members to my right for bringing forward this important motion and Gerry for his amendment. <BR /> <BR />Our communities are under unprecedented strain and stress. Families are forced to pay an ever-increasing share of their income on rent. Reports show that rents in Belfast are now, on average, over £1,000 per month, which is absolutely insane. In one year, homelessness has shot up by 17% due to a lack of available rental properties on the market, which means that hundreds of families across our constituencies have been left with no home and nowhere to go. <BR /> <BR />Rents are becoming sky-high. Many parents are choosing between paying those rents and providing basic needs, such as food or childcare.”
“Minister, I recently spoke to a domestic abuse survivor whose ex-partner repeatedly drives past her home. Sadly, that has not met the threshold for a stalking offence. In cases such as that, where behaviour is not technically deemed to be a domestic incident or a crime but could be seen as a form of psychological weapon, can we do more with Operation Encompass to have that data shared with a school?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. While that research is welcome, it sounds like a long work in progress. Right now in Northern Ireland, parents are forced to leave employment because they cannot afford childcare. Today, we have seen Melted Parents NI share helpline information on mental health and debt to support parents. What immediate action are you taking to support childcare providers while the research is ongoing?”
“Does the deputy First Minister agree that there has been a total failure on the part of the Executive to fund Foras na Gaeilge? Will she please update the House on the last time that she and the First Minister spoke about the Irish Language Commissioner post?”
“It is imperative that we secure additional funding, enhance staffing levels and ensure fair and equitable distribution of those vital services across the region. The well-being of our communities and, indeed, the long-term sustainability of our health services depend on it. We in the SDLP, standing in opposition, are committed to working constructively with the Executive and the Department of Health to deliver that. We must ensure that families are not left without the support that they so desperately need. I urge the Department to act swiftly to ensure that that is not the case.”
“We hear stories of carers who have been forced to cancel work, endure severe stress and, in some heartbreaking cases, compromise the quality of the care that they can offer their loved ones and their own mental health and overall well-being. It is not only a question of health and well-being. It is a matter of dignity and the basic right to support for those who care for our most vulnerable citizens. <BR /> <BR />The crisis in respite care reflects a broader systemic challenge that requires urgent and decisive government action. For the countless parents who have children with complex needs, I ask that the Health Minister and his Department provide an immediate review of the current services that are available.”
“<BR /> <BR />Unpaid carers across the North save our health service and economy £5·8 billion in care costs each year. Local charities, which have long been the backbone of support, are now overwhelmed because the number of those who are waiting for respite services has, effectively doubled. Those figures are not mere statistics; they are real people. They represent burnt-out mothers, fathers, siblings and carers who are stretched to breaking point. Carers play a vital role in our society. Their contribution must be recognised, and, of course, their needs must be met. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency and in our communities, where care responsibilities are already heavy, I have spoken with many for whom the lack of timely respite services has profound mental health consequences.”
“The urgent need to address respite care shortages in the North is a significant concern, which is shared by many families in my community and across the North. Recent reports from the 'Belfast Telegraph’ and 'The Irish News' painted a distressing picture of waiting times for respite care that have increased by as much as 50% over the past year, with some families facing delays of up to 12 months for a much-needed break. Cancellations ruin plans and the much-awaited rest and recuperation for our unpaid carers. Respite services allow our unpaid carers to, essentially, have a day or two away and have some time to themselves. In particular, I think of the case of Woodlawn House in Dungannon, where things get cancelled at short notice due to lack of space. That needs to be urgently addressed.”
“Minister, you will be aware that the Good Friday Agreement states that we have to facilitate and encourage the growth of the Irish language. In your term, in this mandate, on a scale of one to 10, how well would you say that you are serving the Irish-medium sector and the Irish language?”
“Minister, on the topic of addiction, will you please detail what your Department is doing to educate our young people on alcoholism and drug addiction? I note that drug deaths have doubled in the past 10 years, so this is very important.”
“As a result, he left school with no GCSEs, there is now no school place for him — only two schools in Northern Ireland offer students the chance to sit GCSEs outside our traditional system — and he has no pathway to get those credentials. That is crazy, and the House needs to be aware of it. <BR /> <BR />To the parents who are listening today, I say that they are not on their own. The Education Committee will be addressing the issue this week when we will meet representatives to discuss school attendance. I firmly believe that we need to listen to our young people about why they do not show up for school and to recognise that the problem is with not them but the education system as a whole. We will do all we can at the Education Committee, hopefully, to get answers and the change that is necessary.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is not that our young people have a problem but, fundamentally, that our education system is flawed. The system is rigid, not flexible or agile, and does not meet the needs of our young people. We need to transition to a more inclusive and understanding learning environment for children who struggle with things such as routine and therefore really struggle with the current learning environment and face significant anxiety. <BR /> <BR />I was struck by a story that I heard from a mum whose young son really struggled to go to school. He is academically able and intellectual, and he loves to learn, but he had anxiety about sitting exams.”
“Statistics reveal that, in Northern Ireland, over the past few years, it has become an ever-increasing and more present issue, with 2023 having the worst statistics for school refusal since they began. <BR /> <BR />A number of factors contribute to our young people not wanting to go to school. It is not a matter of the children being, as they are labelled, "troublemakers" but is so much to do with delays in assessments for autism and ADHD. Children feel unheard and overwhelmed. I thank a young lady called Emily, aged 13 and in year 9, who shared her story about recently being diagnosed with autism. She talked about the complexity and difficulty of school attendance and the importance of feeling that her needs are recognised in school.”
“Last Friday, I had an event that was attended by over 50 families and young people on the issue of school refusal, also known as anxiety-based avoidance or emotional-based avoidance. Many of the parents and young people with whom I spoke on the call voiced that they have never really heard us as elective representatives talk about the issue or about addressing it or talk about addressing the needs and the wants of young people. Many parents with whom I spoke felt that they were very much isolated and alone on this topic, and many have been forced into a position where they have had to leave their job as their child is refusing to go to school.”
“That is why we call on the Minister of Education to look further into the funding model. We need a system that adequately supports all learning pathways, including apprenticeships and vocational training, and aligns with our economic needs. With that, we can ensure that every young person has a pathway to success. <BR /> <BR />Lastly, it is important for border communities that we look North and South to see how our schools can collaborate further, utilise one another's resources, learn from one another and gain new insights.”
“The South has a good approach to that dilemma, offering students the option of a transition year to learn by doing and going outside traditional education and into the world to try something new. It is important to include that point in the today's debate. <BR /> <BR />It is evident that we do not do enough to fund our sixth-form students and we need to do more. It is not just an education issue; it is an economic issue. We face significant skills shortages across key sectors from engineering and construction to digital technology and, of course, healthcare. If we do not address that, we will not only fail our young people but undermine our potential for further economic growth here. <BR /> <BR />My call to action today is that we must ensure that our education system prepares students for the real world and an evolving job market.”
“We really want to see our sixth-form colleges and further education colleges collaborating — working hand in hand rather than competing with each other — to ensure the prosperity of our young people. <BR /> <BR />On the role of our schools and educators, our teachers and school staff are at the heart of the system and of building up our young people. They work tirelessly to support our students, often going beyond their formal responsibilities to mentor, guide and inspire, but they cannot do that alone. We need proper funding, adequate resources and a fair per-pupil funding model that allows us to support every student, regardless of their need, particularly post-16, when many feel lost and pressured to choose a pathway.”
“Every student has unique skills, interests and aspirations, and it is our duty to ensure that our education system reflects that diversity. For too long, there has been an overemphasis on traditional academic routes, while vocational and technical education has not been given the recognition or the investment that it so rightfully deserves. <BR /> <BR />We need an education system that values all forms of learning so that a young person pursuing a technical apprenticeship is given the same respect and support as a young person applying for university. We need a system in which our sixth-form pupils can really prosper. Recently, in my constituency, in Coleraine, we saw the opening of the brand new Northern Regional College building, with its incredible opportunities and resources and its staff, who offer so much to our young people.”
“Education is the foundation of a prosperous and equitable society. It develops talent, nurtures ambition and opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise have remained closed. In the North, we pride ourselves on having a strong education system, but we must acknowledge, as we are doing today, that challenges remain. Our system must not only serve the high achievers but provide meaningful and accessible pathways for all students, academic and vocational alike. <BR /> <BR />In the North, across our homes and schools, there is often a tendency to lean in and fixate on the idea of university, which neglects the incredible opportunities that different pathways can offer our young people, particularly via apprenticeships. Every child is different.”
“We have seen the impact of the cost of living and inflation on our students, particularly during the COVID crisis, so there needs to be a second look at and an increase in the rate of EMA. It would be brilliant if the Minister could detail whether he has had any discussions with the Economy Minister on that.”
“It is around £30 at the minute. I know, Minister, that you think that it is important to have our children and young people in education until the age of 18, so we should look at EMA, given that it is an incentive that helps support our young people to deal with the financial pressures that they may face.”
“I support the motion, which, rightly, underscores the crucial role that education plays in shaping the future of our young people, and, by extension, our society and our economy. Education is about more than just academic achievement. It is about equipping our children and young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities that they need in order to thrive in life. It is about ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of where they come from, their background or their beliefs. <BR /> <BR />The debate is about the importance of education to our young people, so hopefully the Minister can mention the education maintenance allowance (EMA) in his response. I am mindful of the fact that Wales has moved to increase EMA. The allowance was introduced in 2004, but I do not believe that it has been increased since 2013.”
“It is also important to acknowledge that there are many hidden costs when you buy your first home. Young people are not always aware of those costs, such as legal fees, taxes and survey costs, which quickly add up. The Executive could do more around that. They should do everything that they can to challenge rising costs and regulate them. <BR /> <BR />I feel strongly that we can do more to support first-time buyers and ensure that we do not fail the next generation. If we really want Northern Ireland to be a place that our constituents are proud to call "home" and to build and grow the next generation in, we must do much more. Until then, we need to continue to have the conversation about how we can support first-time buyers.”
“In that time, the house price went up between £10,000 and £15,000. Builders face increased financial challenges in building affordable homes, and we should acknowledge that. Families are under significant stress, and it is locking more people of all ages out of the housing market. <BR /> <BR />An important thing to acknowledge that has been reiterated across the House and of which we have a shared understanding is that our big failure is the availability of social and affordable housing. Waiting lists continue to grow, and private rental costs are soaring, making it even harder for first-time buyers to save. What needs to come out of the debate is a commitment to building more affordable homes and to having a plan to ensure that everyone in Northern Ireland has a fair chance of homeownership.”
“The average house price in Northern Ireland far exceeds what many first-time buyers can afford. Wages have not kept pace with house price inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis has made it increasingly hard to save for a deposit. There is much that we can do to support young people who are stuck in rental cycles with no clear path to homeownership. We need meaningful reforms and real solutions to tackle that. <BR /> <BR />With rising interest rates, mortgage affordability has become an even bigger challenge. Many families with whom I have spoken feel smothered by their mortgage, particularly when they are paying for things such as childcare on top of that. Recently, I spoke to a couple who had saved a deposit for a home. The first phase of homes had been affordable, and they were waiting for the second phase to be finished.”