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

Brady Slams Housing Executive Private Sector Review

Published: 28 August, 2008

Brady slams Housing Executive Private Sector Review

Sinn Fein Newry Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has said that the Housing Executive Private Outlet Sector Review being carried out by the Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie is a sham.

Private Sector Improvement Services (PSIS) is responsible for the Housing Executives Home Improvement Grants programme.

The aim of the programme is to ensure the continual improvement of housing standards in the private sector support of urban and rural regeneration, to help vulnerable people, including people with disabilities living in the private sector to live safely in their homes.

Mickey Brady said:

"It has come to my attention that DSD intends to make what they claim are 'efficiency savings' which will equate to the loss of 40 jobs as a result of this so-called review. This is on top of the 21 people employed within the Housing Executive who have already been asked to re-locate.

"It is a major concern that these further reductions will compromise the ability of the service to meet its obligations and that the offices delivering these front line services will be too small to function effectively."

Mickey went on to say,

"The reason being put forward for these proposed staff reductions, is the reduction in District Councils from 26 to 11.

"But, I find it very confusing when we see that the current level of delivery is crumbling under the strain with current staffing levels. How can a reduction in staff and offices help PSIS provide a Grants Service that will meet the new District Council Structure?

"The Housing Minister has to make her position clear; are staff reductions the best way to ensure continuity and efficiency for the Housing Executives Home Improvement Grants Programme." ENDS