SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has described as ‘worrying’ the rising homeless figures across the North.
Mr Durkan was speaking after figures obtained from an Assembly Question to Communities Minister Ní Chuilín on the number of people homeless in each constituency.
As of June 2020, the total number of social housing applicants in Foyle stood at 4, 071 – 2,732 of which were accepted as homeless. .
Said the Foyle MLA: “The Communities Minister confirmed in response to my question that 2,732 people currently on the housing waiting list are deemed homeless, across the Foyle constituency. That is a 206 increase on February’s figures and is indicative of a worrying trend of what’s to come.
“These figures are shocking but unfortunately something people of this city have become accustomed too.
“Time and time again, Foyle hits top of the homeless statistics- crucially behind these numbers are individuals, families and many children waiting in anguish.
“This is yet another example of the deprivation people in Derry have had to endure and it is about time we got our fair share and a properly balanced regional economy.
“In total there are 21, 955 homeless applications across the North with areas of deprivation like Foyle, West Belfast and North Belfast worst affected.
“This will no doubt be further compounded by the fact that 59% of the social housing build target remains unmet for 2019/2020.
“It is therefore gravely concerning that the 2020/21 social housing build budget is down £19 million on the previous year.
“The time for robust and honest conversations about tackling housing shortages has long past.
“It is time to introduce proactive measures to tackle the issues facing an increasing number of local families.
“Action must be taken before more and more individuals end up on the streets.
“The SDLP has consistently called for the creation of a comprehensive 20-year Housing Strategy to address issues including supply, affordability, regulation of the Private Rented Sector and homelessness.
“That conversation needs to be had and a strategy implemented urgently.
“The need for increased social housing here is prevalent and I fear will become even more so as we navigate the fallout of this crisis.
“Without intervention from the Department for Communities, we are hurtling towards disaster in an already struggling housing sector,” added Mr Durkan.
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