The Strangford MLA said: “The 'Housing for All' Shared Housing Programme, which aims to tackle barriers that prevent individuals from opting to live in shared neighbourhoods, emerged from the Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy which is now nearly ten years old. Given the recent publication of the draft Programme for Government, containing a cross-cutting theme of peace and a priority for safer communities, shared housing cannot be left behind.

“Building on this year's Good Relations Week theme of opportUNITY, shared housing is a vehicle to promote community cohesion and to break down barriers. However, we must ensure that it reflects Northern Ireland today, and go beyond old traditions by ensuring that shared housing is inclusive of everyone who wants to call Northern Ireland their home. I am calling on the DFC and the NIHE to ensure that the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme is properly resourced and reviewed to ensure it is fit for purpose.

“Given the racially hate-motivated attacks and violence we saw over the summer, it is now more important than ever that we are building on the great work that has already been done by housing associations, community groups and the local community. We cannot neglect our responsibilities on building a shared society.”