SDLP Housing Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has slammed the failure of the Department for Communities to publish the findings of the Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations which concluded in December 2017.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I wrote to the Department for Communities last week, seeking some clarity on when the Department intends to publish its findings from the Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations, which was conducted in 2017.
“Unfortunately, I received a response from Minister Ní Chuilín that was less than satisfactory.
“She made no commitments to publish the findings of the Review and worryingly, added no detail about how the Department intended to act upon these findings.
“This important Review was concluded in December 2017.
“Acknowledging the regrettable absence of Stormont, this Report has still been sitting on the Minister’s desk for six months.
“It must be published without delay.
“In addition to the publication, the Department must commit to tangible and ambitious targets to improve our social housing stock and ensure the process is fair and transparent.
“We all know we have a housing crisis.
“The stark reality is that the fallout from the COVID-19 crisis will exacerbate a situation that is already spiralling out of control, with 20,000 households in housing stress.
“There is no time to waste.
Minister Ní Chuilín is a fierce advocate for social housing, but it is time for her words to match her actions.
“She must commit to publishing this vital Report and acting upon it,” added Mr Durkan.
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