Introduction

Housing extends to and influences every aspect of life. It is known to impact directly or indirectly on health, education, socio-economic and employment status. Through this programme it is the HAZ's aim to enable improved community networks, better living conditions, lower living costs and safer, healthier environments for local people and communities.

The concentration of unfit dwellings within the HAZ area located in isolated rural areas and small settlements is 78% compared with the NI average of 52%. Also, within the SHSSB area Armagh and Dungannon locality there is the highest level of self reported acute illness (19.4%) and the highest level of long standing illness (42.2%). Therefore people in the Armagh and Dungannon Area are more likely to live in unfit dwellings and are more likely to perceive themselves to be unwell.

In order to address local issues and promote a sense of wellbeing in the HAZ area, addressing concerns related to housing are seen as vital. Enhancing and improving the community infrastructure, improving the sense of community spirit and relations within and across housing estates, rural settlements and extending this to isolated dwellings is seen as a key role of the HAZ process.

The leader of the housing programme is Mrs Joyce Dobbin, District Manager, Armagh Office, Northern Ireland Housing Executive.