The public services watchdog plans to investigate the Housing Executive after an upsurge in complaints.
The probe will be only the third launched under the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman’s (Nipso) own “initiative power”, which allows for an investigation to take place where there is a reasonable suspicion of maladministration.
Almost 50,000 people are on the housing waiting list in Northern Ireland.
Ombudsman Margaret Kelly’s investigation into Northern Ireland’s largest social housing landlord follows an increasing number of complaints to her office about maintenance and repairs.
“Access to high quality and safe housing is important in reducing health inequalities” – Ombudsman Margaret Kelly
Nipso said a significant proportion of the complaints it received about the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) relate to delays in carrying out repairs and the quality of the work undertaken.
Others were about how the concerns of social housing tenants were responded to when issues were raised and how complaints were handled.
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Ms Kelly also said a number of individuals had reached out to her office citing a reported adverse affect on their health as a result of housing conditions.
“Access to high quality and safe housing is important in reducing health inequalities and improving the overall wellbeing of our population,” she said.
“A good maintenance and repairs service is one of the most important responsibilities landlords have.
“It is important there is confidence in how the Housing Executive delivers this service and responds when concerns are raised about housing conditions.”
Ombudsman Margaret Kelly
Ms Kelly said her investigation would allow for a thorough examination of the issues raised with the aim of making further improvements in the provision of social housing.
The Ombudsman will now consider any response from the NIHE before deciding whether to proceed to investigate the issues that fall within her investigative scope.
A further announcement will follow upon launching an investigation.
A Housing Executive spokesperson said: “We note the announcement of the Ombudsman’s proposal for an investigation.
“We will now consider the issues raised and will engage with NIPSO over the coming weeks.”
It comes after the Belfast Telegraph revealed more than 1,000 NIHE tenants were waiting for adaptations to their homes, with some waiting four years or more.
Adaptations to NIHE properties may be needed for number of reasons, such as for tenants who are disabled or have complex needs.
Some 373 properties are awaiting major adaptations, with the NIHE stating issues impacting the speed of delivery of these include contractor capacity and technical resources, while 706 are waiting for minor adaptations.
Minor adaptations include the likes of installing special toilets and providing handrails, while major adaptations may include installing stairlifts and other major internal changes to a property.
Figures obtained from the NIHE show there are 1,079 tenants waiting for adaptations to their properties, with varying waiting times across the constituencies.