Council backs reform of housing body

Council backs reform of housing body

27 February 2013

DOWN Council has backed the reform of the Housing Executive.

But it has criticised Stormont Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland’s approach to restructuring an organisation which is responsible for 2,365 homes across the district.

At the local authority’s meeting on Monday night there was unanimous support for a proposal by Councillor Eamonn O’Neill to write to the DSD Minister asking him to ensure any proposed reforms are “enshrined in the principles and values of equality and housing allocated on the basis of need.”

Councillor O’Neill said the impression given when the reform of the Housing Executive was announced at the start of the year was that the organisation was going to be abolished. He said Mr. McCausland has since clarified his position, making it clear he wants to “restructure” the Executive.

Councillor O’Neill also warned that dividing up the Executive’s housing management functions which could be taken over by Housing Associations in Britain would create “variances in standards and administration.”

He argued it might also allow for political interference and the independence the Executive is renowned for will be lost.

Councillor O’Neill added: “The landlord function must be one body, it must maintain its independence and preserve its standard and ethos. There must be no political tampering with the total independence of the Housing Executive in the allocation process.

“Those in need of social housing deserve nothing less than an efficient, well-managed housing authority which will protect them from inequality.