Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Confusion in Housing Executive must be addressed.

Published: 10 April, 2009

Sinn Féin MLA and Social Development Committee member Mickey Brady has said that the confusion surrounding the grants programme in the Housing Executive must be addressed immediately.

Mr. Brady said,

"Information must be made available on the Housing Executive's budget in relation to grants and maintenance. Currently people including the Housing Executive have been kept in the dark."

"The Minister for Social Development needs to clarify this situation urgently and not continue to harp on about the lack of money in her budget. Although every department has a shortfall in their budget it seems they can deal with it more effectively than DSD."

"Because of the current situation the Housing Executive are unable to formulate any programme of work for 2009/2010 because of the current lack of information available in relation to the DSD budget."

"Having worked in the sector I understand the problems that this confusion will cause. This problem must be addressed urgently for the sake of both Housing Executive staff on the ground and for those tenants and householders who rely on maintenance and disabled facilities grants."

"I have been approached by both Housing Executive staff and members of the public who find the situation both frustrating and unacceptable."

"In Newry/Armagh there is a large number of people waiting on Housing Executive grants and because of the lack of information coming from the Department there is growing anger and disquiet. This is evident from conversations I have had with both staff and members of the public."

"If grants are not forthcoming, will the executive be able to stand over the decent homes standard in relation to their housing stock?"