Durkan: Concern at freeze on discretionary housing funds

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has expressed considerations that funds to assist personal renters in receipt of Common Credit score meet the shortfall between their lease and housing component have been paused.

It follows affirmation from the NI Housing Government (NIHE) that the finances for Discretionary Housing Funds for the monetary 12 months 2022/23 has been exhausted.

Impacted claimants might be notified in the end and it’s hoped that the supply might be reinstated in the beginning of April.

Stated the Foyle MLA: “The pause on these very important funds for any time period, is unacceptable.

“Throughout Northern Eire, housing prices beneath Common Credit score fall quick for 88% of personal tenants.

“Discretionary Housing Funds present a lifeline to many, serving to to maintain tenancies for longer and forestall homelessness.

“This provision has change into much more very important within the context of the prices disaster and rising rental costs throughout the Non-public Rented Sector.

“For impacted households left with out cost this month will imply having to chop prices elsewhere.

“These are low-income households, a lot of whom are already on the breadline, being advised that the restricted assist which was accessible has been stopped.

“NIHE hope to restart these funds in April and can make efforts to backdate funds however continued uncertainty round subsequent 12 months’s finances has left them, authorities departments, public providers and folks on a knife-edge.

“As soon as extra the DUP’s siege at Stormont is forcing struggling households deeper and deeper into poverty.

“All tenants ought to really feel safe of their tenure and most significantly have entry to inexpensive housing.

“We want an Meeting in place to ship the second section of the Non-public Tenancies Invoice and supply the very best assist for individuals at this difficult time.”

Durkan: Concern at freeze on discretionary housing funds was final modified: March seventeenth, 2023 by cassoscoop

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