People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin
Said the Foyleside councillor: “”Families are suffering because private rental costs are through the roof.
“Rent hikes in the private sector have been relentless in recent years.
“The average increase so far for 2024 is 10.2%.
“In 2023 the average private rental increase was 10%. In 2022 it was 10%. In 2021 it was almost 8%.
“In February 2022 People Before Profit proposed a 10% private rental price cut for tenants and a three year private rental cost freeze.
“Sinn Féin, the SDLP, and Alliance all joined the DUP to vote against this amendment to the Private Tenancies Bill.
“The Stormont Executive had an opportunity to do something about soaring private rents but once again failed to act. As a result of this, families and individuals are suffering.
“For decades consecutive Stormont Executives have allowed a housing crisis to spiral out of control.
“There’s not enough affordable housing and there isn’t enough social housing.
“The cost of private rental accommodation and the lack of housing is forcing families and individuals into desperation and homelessness.
“This is putting the Housing Executive and housing associations under intense pressure.
“The fault for the housing crisis lies with the Stormont Executive. It refused to regulate private rental costs. It failed to build enough social housing.
“Thatcher’s neoliberal ‘everything for profit’ model still dominates every aspect of the way the Stormont Executive functions.
“People Before Profit will continue to push for private rental cost regulation and for a mass social housing build to address the housing waiting list.
“As in our past, demands for action will need to be propelled forward by people power action.”
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