Sinn Féin MLAs Carál Ní Chuilín and Deirdre Hargey today met Grainia Long, Chief Executive of the Housing Executive.

Speaking after the meeting, Carál Ní Chuilín said:

“Today’s meeting was a positive and frank discussion with the Housing Executive around the supply of social housing in the North, with demand for homes continuing to increase and waiting lists expanding. We made the case that areas of highest need must be prioritised.

“Also, we emphasised that families must not be displaced when living in emergency accommodation, and stronger support is needed for those who are homeless.

“We raised concerns around new developments being unable to connect to the wastewater management system and call on the British government for greater funding to assist the Executive to address this challenge.

“We told the Housing Executive more scrutiny is needed of the private rented sector to ensure tenants feel protected and their homes are of good-quality.

“Local communities have worked for decades to deliver large-scale builds, it’s vital that the Housing Executive stay committed to these and continue to look for more development opportunities.

“I would also call on the British government to fairly fund the Executive to enable us to build more homes and for the communities minster to publish the Housing Supply Strategy.

“Everyone deserves a home that is safe, secure, comfortable, affordable and good quality, and Sinn Féin will not give up fighting to make this a reality.”