SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the Assembly’s support for a motion calling for the protection of private renters.
The SDLP successfully introduced an amendment calling for a review of standards and enforcement, legislation to extend the threatened with homelessness window and the introduction of a grant to help people bridge the gap between Local Housing Allowance and the cost of rental properties.
Said he Foyle MLA: “Reliance on the Private Rental Sector here has grown massively as the Executive continues to fail to meet even its unambitious targets to deliver social and affordable housing.
“Rising demand has aligned with rising costs and seen rents spiral beyond the reach of many. Coupled with young families finding it harder and harder to get on the housing ladder – we are in the middle of a serious housing crisis.
“All parties joined us in the call for fairness to protect people in the precarious position as private renters at the whim of rent increases, the possibility of arrears and the ugly spectre of eviction and homelessness.
“The least private renters in the North deserve is the same protections as those in other parts of these islands and nobody should be subject to eviction at short notice.
“This outdated policy has directly contributed to the rise in homelessness in recent years.
“While it’s good to hear Executive parties recognise the problems, we need to see action from them to address them.
“Instead of bringing motion after motion on issues within their power, they should get around the Executive table and introduce the proposals backed by the Assembly.”
