SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has expressed concerns surrounding a £19 million decrease in the social housing budget for 2020/21.
Mr Durkan slammed the significant decrease on last year’s budget as ‘bewildering’ considering that only 41% of the social housing build target was achieved due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
Said the SDLP Housing Spokesperson commented: “The need for increased social housing here is prevalent and I fear will become even more so as we navigate the fallout of this crisis.
“It is therefore gravely concerning that the 2020/21 social housing build budget is down £19 million on the previous year.
“In addition, the North has missed over half of the social housing build target for 2019. Without intervention from the Department for Communities, we are hurtling towards disaster in an already struggling housing sector.
“Granted, the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19 have played a significant role in the ability to build these homes. However, it should not and cannot be used as an excuse for failing to meet subsequent targets.
“The question must be asked, what has happened the unspent allocation from last year’s budget? The Department must also ensure that the unmet build is not swept under the carpet but rather added to the 2020/21 target.
“The Executive pledged under the New Decade, New Approach deal, to enhance investment in new build social housing.
“That commitment has been broken mere months down the line- all the while families continue to struggle in overcrowded conditions and properties wholly unsuitable to their needs.”
The Foyle MLA added: “No-one is expecting miracles, I am acutely aware that addressing social housing need requires innovative thinking, whether that is looking to a reformed private rented sector or the repurposing of existing stock, but no elected representative can sincerely be satisfied by the current rate at which we are building much needed social homes.
“Providing a roof over one’s head is a fundamental duty of any government.
“The creation of improved social housing must remain a key objective going forward – not just to feed current demand but to get the construction industry back on its feet, in an effort to create vital jobs and help regenerate the economy.
“It is incumbent upon Minister Ní Chuilín and the Executive, to act now to ensure their promises set out in January are upheld.”
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