The report by Academics at Cambridge University and University of Ulster on the review of the social housing allocation system in the North does not offer what is required to deal with what is a “flawed and discriminatory” system, Derry Councillor Tony Hassan has said.
Cllr Hassan, Sinn Féin housing spokesperson on Derry City Council, was speaking after attending a public presentation hosted by Department for Social Development in the City Hotel to get views on how social homes may be allocated.
Cllr Tony Hassan said whilst the authors of the report had suggested a number of different proposals on the allocation of social housing, their main proposal of a system called “choice based lettings” – which is used in England – offered nothing to the thousands of people in housing need.
Cllr Hassan added: “In fact, it will add to their misery, to those waiting to be housed.
“This system does not work in areas of high demand and it also not does not take into account the particular problems we face in divided communities who are coming out of conflict.
“I have been very concerned that this report will gain weight within the Department of Social Development and be used to bypass the policy of housing need.”
Cllr Hassan said the only way to “effectively deal” with overcrowding and long waiting lists was by building more houses and the Minister must address this by embarking on a new build scheme that would meet the current demand.
Cllr Hassan concluded: “I believe the Housing Executive needs to be given back its right to build new homes and given as much support as possible to ensure that the services it provides are protected.”
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