Tuesday, May 31, 2011

New Letting Priorities a Step Backwards-O'Leary

New Letting Priorities a Step Backwards-O'Leary

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has said the new scheme of letting priorities for social housing allocations adopted by Cork City Council last night represents a step backwards for housing policy.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“The new guidelines for housing allocations were adopted by city council last night with minimal debate and with little time for councillors to analyse the final document. They represent a step backwards for housing policy in the city”

“Under the guidelines, financial hardship will no longer be a priority category for housing allocations. This is in spite of the fact that it is perhaps the largest single category under which new tenants are allocated houses at present.”

“The new rules do nothing to improve transparency or move to a points-based allocations system, despite Sinn Féin having succeeded in getting council to pass a motion to this effect last year. Nor do they give any protection to tenants threatened with anti-social behaviour.”

“These guidelines continue the council’s and the government’s strategy on housing – to deny that housing provision is in crisis rather than seriously attempt to deal with the issue.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307

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