THE SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation from the Housing Executive that the proposed transfer of stock at Rossville Street to a housing association has been suspended.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Since this transfer of housing stock was first mooted, residents have been anxious about what implications it might have for them and were angry at what seemed to be a lack of regard for their views as tenants.
“I personally raised these concerns in the Assembly almost two years ago; discussions were ongoing about ‘housing units’ with scant consideration that these ‘units’ are families’ homes.
“As well as particular concerns that such a transfer could result in increased rent charges against a backdrop of austerity, I aired fears that this represented a further erosion of the NIHE.
“It is the SDLP’s view that the Housing Executive should be given more resources and more powers to build more much-needed homes.”
Mr Durkan added that he was pleased that this move has been suspended and also that a moratorium on maintenance work has now been lifted.
“We must now seek clarification as to what ‘suspension’ actually means – will this proposal be revisited in the future?
“I certainly hope not but residents need peace of mind.”
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