Department for Communities says that Department of Finance guidance designed to meet ‘increased demand for rigour and transparency’ in the disposal of unused publicly-owned land does not apply to Mackie’s.

"Almost all hotel settings reportedly lacked kitchen facilities; some did offer hot food, but at prices unaffordable to struggling families – even those already holding down jobs or receiving Universal Credit."

"In our experience of working with homeless families, a major barrier to achievement and school attendance is being accommodated in non-standard accommodation such as hotels and B&B’s."

PPR enquired about the Housing Executive’s severe weather planning and procedures, and also about their implementation

At end September 2024, roughly nine out of ten of the 473 households in ‘emergency temporary accommodation’ were in Belfast (219) and Derry (217)

As of end September 2024, at least 19,700 kids under 18 were homeless across the north – 5,780 of them in Belfast

Chronic housing need continues to rise across Belfast as the homeless now account for 71% of the waiting list

2023 closes with unprecedented numbers of households on the waiting list, including at least 18,496 children growing up officially homeless

Belfast’s social housing waiting list shows a marked increase in levels of homelessness since March 2022

With the housing system failing to deliver, Housing Executive staff went on strike last year seeking better pay and fair working conditions. But what is happening behind the scenes?