SDLP Opposition MLA Mark H Durkan said a plan to deliver 100,000 homes in 15 years is ‘pie in the sky’ after new social housing completions via the Social Housing Development Programme reveal just 6,617 homes were built between 2019-2024.
The Housing Supply Strategy was announced in 2022 by then Sinn Féin Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey.
Questions were raised around the ambitious figures with Minister Hargey admitting that no prior analysis has been carried out by her department.
Mr Durkan said the Executive owe people honesty and accountability on failed promises.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The Executive’s track record on housing has been appalling to say the least; but not as appalling as the social housing reality versus the claptrap spouted by successive Communities Ministers.
“In April, MLAs were advised that this long-term strategy was in ‘good shape’ and awaiting Executive approval.
“Meanwhile the targets on social housing completions haven’t been achieved for four out of the last five years.
“The cuts imposed on the capital budget for the Department for Communities will allow for just 400 new social housing builds for 2024/25- one fifth of the 2,000 home target.
“Housing has not yet been included as a standalone outcome within a Programme for Government.
“And people are expected to believe that this Executive is serious about tackling the 47,000 long housing waiting list?
“Sinn Féin’s Affordable Homes Plan in the South to deliver 50,000 homes in five years, read like a case of déjá vu and another cheap grab at self-promotion.
“Like the Housing Supply Strategy announced to great fanfare by a Sinn Féin Minister, it’s been billed as the answer to housing woes.
“Yet, while in government in the North, they party has failed to deliver on meagre targets.
“The Executive’s delivery on housing has fallen woefully short; failing to meet new build targets and neglecting investment in social housing.
“Ministers have promised the sun, the moon and the stars but delivered nothing. Instead of tangible progress, we’ve witnessed an Executive bent on optics and headline-grabbing soundbites with no real follow-through.
“People are sick of the ‘budget pressure’ rhetoric.
“Ministers can’t be in the habit of making promises they can’t deliver on- it isn’t just reckless but immoral to raise the hopes of thousands of families desperately waiting for a place to call home.
“The charade is up- rather than decrying Whitehall while the North decays, the Executive must speak with honesty and take responsibility for the promises they make.”
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