Robust housing strategy needed to tackle homelessness crisis

4.37.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Apr 2007

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has stated that Northern Ireland needs a strong affordable and social housing strategy to combat the growing problem of homelessness. It was announced today that nearly 5,000 people are homeless in Northern Ireland and Sir John Semple is publishing his report on affordable housing tomorrow.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "We need a robust housing strategy locally to ensure we address the real need for more social and affordable housing.

"Today's figures on homelessness in Northern Ireland prove shocking reading. We have seen a 10% increase in homeless in the past six months. Its high time a strong strategy was put in place to alleviate this crisis.

"We have been working hard in areas like East Belfast which are severely lacking in social housing.

"First time buyers are getting priced out of the market; therefore, more affordable housing must also be provided. We would like to see requirements put in place whereby developers must set aside a certain percentage of new-build homes for first-time buyers, to help them get a foothold on the property ladder."

ENDS