16/11/2015

Plans To Sell Social Housing Unit With 60% Reduction 'Unacceptable'

The government's proposal to offer a 60% discount in the sale of social housing units has been described as "unacceptable" and a "move to further separate the state from housing provision and would lead to housing shortages into the future", according to Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis.

Deputy Ellis said: "Social housing provided by the local authorities gives low income and poor families one of their only hopes for affordable adequate accommodation.

"It is particularly disingenuous of the government to announce this as part of its package to deal with the housing crisis. This scheme will do nothing but hinder housing provision.

"The rents raised by local authority housing is over 300 million euro a year. With an adequate social mix social housing can for itself. But selling off social housing for less than half price will help no one.

"This will deplete the stock of social housing, place debt on low income families and hinder the ability of local authorities and the state to tackle housing need into the future.

"The state must commit to major investment in the building and refurbishment of social housing. That is the solution to the housing and homelessness crisis."

(MH/CD)

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