SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan has said that cuts to the Housing Executive (HE) budget will have dire consequences for families across the North.

The HE has warned that the funding shortfall to the Department for Communities will mean only 400 new social homes will be built this year, far short of the 2,000 target.

There will also be cuts to the Affordable Warmth Scheme, homelessness support and other HE services.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:

“At a time when there are over 46,000 applicants across the North on social housing waiting lists it is completely unacceptable that we are now facing a situation where the HE will once again miss their house building targets. Families already face waits of years to get a home and even if these targets were met it would nowhere near to meeting the demand for housing.

“This funding shortfall will have far-reaching implications that stretch far beyond those on waiting lists. We will see cuts to important services including those targeted at homeless people and support for those who struggle to heat their homes. These are vulnerable people who cannot do without this support. Removing it will put people’s health and potentially even their lives at risk. The economy will also suffer as the construction sector loses out on millions due to building plans being curtailed, with an impact on businesses and workers.

“These issues require immediate attention from the Executive, but they are just part of the wider housing crisis currently gripping the North. Many families are already struggling to get on the housing ladder, with soaring rents putting many under extreme pressure. If we are going to get to grips with this emergency then we need a properly funded HE that is empowered to go out and build the homes necessary to meet demand. Otherwise, this situation will only get worse in the years ahead.”