Heather Wilson is Policy and Engagement Manager at the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland.

The pandemic has brought to light and widened socio-economic divides around the globe. Northern Ireland is no exception. Statistics released by Northern Ireland’s Department for Communities last month reaffirmed what the housing sector in Northern Ireland already recognised and understood: the existence of a clear correlation between areas of greater housing need – where high numbers of applicants on the social housing waiting list have points for sharing or overcrowding – and areas recording a higher number of positive Covid-19 cases. 

Where there is an inability to adequately socially-distance or self-isolate from members within the same household as a result of sharing or overcrowding, it stands to reason that the transmission rates within surrounding communities will move at a more unforgiving pace. Those living within such conditions are generally more susceptible to poorer physical and mental health. Indeed, evidence published by the Department of Health on 9 October suggested that overcrowding within homes is a key driver of Covid-19 infections, rather than overall population density.

As highlighted by statistics released by the Department in response to an Assembly Written Question, the parliamentary constituency of West Belfast has the highest number of applicants on the waiting list with points for overcrowding. The Foyle constituency has the highest number of applicants on the waiting list with points for sharing. Both unsurprisingly include postal districts which rank as having the highest rates of positive Covid-19 cases. 

More than simply highlighting the problem with Covid-19 transmission spread, these figures support the well-evidenced understanding that housing and health are inextricably linked. 

Need for a new ‘normal’ in housing

This week’s roll-out of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination marks the beginning of brighter days for Northern Ireland. Albeit the start of a long and cautious journey, we will start to see a slow return to the ‘old normal’. However, when it comes to the adequate supply of safe and affordable housing, a ‘new normal’ must be sought and delivered upon in the coming months and years following the pandemic. 

If there is to be a true and sustained ‘levelling up’ across society, a renewed focus on the building of new social homes, as well as improving the quality of existing houses, has a huge role to play in initiating the economic recovery. Housing provision, alongside job creation must be at the heart of tackling widespread health inequalities and ensuring our collective recovery in the long-term.

This ambition is reflected in the Homes at the Heart campaign which is urging the UK Government to put funding for new and existing social homes at the heart of the recovery from coronavirus. A moment of crisis provides an opportunity to do things better. Given the levels of housing stress in Northern Ireland that existed before, and have been exacerbated by the pandemic, it is vital that the Executive too puts housing at the centre of our local recovery.