Locals First Initiative is calling for an urgent, independent investigation into the condition of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s housing stock in Newry mourne and Down and whether some properties being allocated to vulnerable tenants are genuinely fit for habitation.

Representatives from Locals First Initiative recently attended two properties that had been offered to vulnerable individuals and families. What we found was deeply concerning.

 

The condition of both properties left us shocked. From visible disrepair to issues that raised serious questions about whether the homes were ready for new tenants, the standard fell well below what any family should reasonably expect when being offered a place to live.

 

These homes were being offered by one of Northern Ireland’s largest landlords to people who are often in no position to refuse. When families are facing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation, many feel they have little choice but to accept whatever is offered.

No vulnerable person should be expected to move into a property that is not safe, clean and fit to call home.

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We are demanding a full review of inspection procedures, property standards and the condition of homes being offered to new tenants. The public has a right to know whether these properties meet the standards expected of a public landlord before families are handed the keys.

The Housing Executive has a duty of care to provide homes that are safe, clean and suitable for occupation. If homes are being offered in conditions that fall below acceptable standards, immediate action must be taken to establish how this has been allowed to happen and to ensure it never happens again.

 

It has become increasingly clear that too many families’ needs and reasonable expectations are not being met. People seeking social housing should not have to lower their expectations simply because they are in urgent need of a home. This must change.

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Locals First Initiative is calling on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Department for Communities and the Minister for Communities to launch an immediate investigation into the condition of Housing Executive properties in Newry Mourne and Down, assess whether homes being allocated are fit for habitation, and publish the findings in full.

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We also call for a full review of the Housing Executive’s housing stock in the Newry Mourne and Down to ensure every property offered to tenants meets an acceptable standard before being allocated. Vulnerable families deserve homes that are safe, clean and ready to live in—not properties requiring significant remedial work.

 

The people of Newry Mourne and Down deserve transparency, accountability and action. Vulnerable families deserve homes that offer dignity, safety and security—not homes that leave them feeling abandoned before they have even moved in.

 

Locals First Initiative will continue to stand alongside local families, raise concerns where standards fall short and campaign until every person is offered a home that is fit for habitation. Our community deserves nothing less.