People Before Profit Newry has organised a public consultation meeting, on the topic of the escalating housing crisis and its devastating impact on working class communities. The meeting will take place in Ballybot House, on Thursday 6th February at 7pm.
Attendees will also provide feedback on draft proposals for MLA Gerry Carroll’s new private members bill. The ‘People’s Housing Bill’ aims to address some of the root causes of the housing crisis in the North, including unaffordability and rising rents, insecurity of tenure, homelessness and vacant homes.
“Enquires made to the Housing Executive in October 24′ notes almost 3000 people are recorded with FDA status in Newry, Mourne & Down District Council area alone. FDA is clarified to mean applicants accepted as homeless” Marc Mac Seáin said. “Across this island we’re suffering a housing crisis, Newry is no exception. Private landlords are allowed to inflict extortionate rent increases and evict tenants at will. NMDDC follows the trend across the North for empty dwellings (average 6%), meaning thousands of properties are unused while many are in housing stress or without a home.”
“NI Department for Economy’s NMDDC Housing Paper notes in its summary that local towns have a significant housing shortfall & supply is not sufficient to meeting future housing needs for the planning period up to 2030.”
“We encourage any interested residents of Newry to attend our consultation meeting. It will be an opportunity for discussion where people can share their vision for a Newry where everyone has a secure, affordable home. We also encourage responses to the consultation online”
ENDS.
CLANRYE NEWS 