A local councillor has called for a fairer system around the allocation of extra points for people on the housing waiting lists who are living in temporary private rented accommodation in the city.
Cllr Tony Hassan, Sinn Fein representative in the Shantallow area, said one of the “biggest complaints” he receives in dealing with housing issues in the city was the allocation of points for people living in temporary private rented accommodation.
He added: “He said if someone is living in temporary Housing Executive accommodation after six months they entitled to twenty points but if they are forced to have to live in temporary private rented accommodation they are not entitled to get these extra points.
“Over the last year the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Housing Executive keep telling us hey are looking at a fairer system for the allocation of points for all those people applying for social housing.
“I have now sent letters to the Housing Executive chief John McPeak ,Housing Minister Nelson McCausland and all members of the Housing Board including the chairman Donald Hoodless.
“The allocation of new social housing developments in Derry come and go but many people in temporary private accommodation have lost out each time because they do not have those extra 20 points.”
I am calling on the Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland and the Housing Executive to remove this barrier. This situation has gone on far too long. People should not be penalised for trying to keep a roof over their heads.
Tags:
