ICESCR concluding observations 2016, paragraph 50
Plain English recommendation
Government should:
(a) Ensure there is sufficient housing (especially social housing), particularly for the most disadvantaged groups, including those on middle and low incomes, young people and disabled people.
(b) Regulate the private rental market, including by protecting security of tenure and accountability systems. Ensure people on housing benefits can access the private rental market.
(c) Ensure all homes are fit for habitation.
(d) Ensure adequate stopping sites are available for Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities. Avoid all forms of discrimination in accommodation.
Repeal the Unauthorised Encampments (Northern Ireland) Order 2005. (e) Do more to overcome housing inequalities for Catholic families in North Belfast, and fully involve all parties in housing-related decisions.
(e) Do more to overcome housing inequalities for Catholic families in North Belfast, and fully involve all parties in housing-related decisions
Original UN recommendation
The Committee recalls its previous recommendation (see E/C.12/GBR/CO/5, para. 29) and urges the State party to:
(a) Adopt all necessary measures to address the housing deficit by ensuring a sufficient supply of housing, in particular social housing units, especially for the most disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups, including middle- and lowincome individuals and households, young people and persons with disabilities.
(b) Take specific measures to deal with the inability of renters in the private rental sector to pay rents on account of the limits imposed on housing allowance and effectively regulate the private rental sector, including through security of tenure protection and accountability mechanisms.
(c) Take corrective measures to address bad housing, including substandard housing conditions and uninhabitable housing.
(d) Ensure adequate access to culturally appropriate accommodation and stopping sites for the Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities, as appropriate; take steps to avoid all forms of discrimination in the provision of accommodation; and repeal the Unauthorised Encampments (Northern Ireland) Order 2005; (e) Intensify its efforts to address the challenges to overcoming persistent inequalities in housing for Catholic families in North Belfast, including through meaningful participation by all actors in decision-making processes related to housing.
Date of UN examination
16/06/2016
UN article number
2 (implementation of the Convention), 11 (adequate standard of living)
Original UN document
Download the ICESCR concluding observations 2016 on the UN website