Alma Economics was commissioned by the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland to deliver advice and a financial model to support the delivery of a Private Rented Sector Leasing Scheme in Northern Ireland.

We used a mixed-methods approach, grounding our advice in best practice from similar schemes and the best available evidence and data. We also collected feedback from stakeholders on proposed scheme design features through a series of focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Our work included the design of a cost-benefit analysis that provided robust estimates of baseline costs for rollout as well as the impact of different scheme options.

By making evidenced assumptions around scheme costs, benefits, and uptake for different scheme design options (e.g., rent levels, management fees, lease lengths), we were able to calculate the publicly funded subsidies needed to make such a scheme viable. We summarised our findings in a final report that will support relevant strategic decision-making.