Housing Executive criticised for rent rise

The decision by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to raise rents by 7% has been described as "thoughtless in the middle of a cost of living crisis".

The rise will come into effect from April 2023.

The criticism of the NIHE was levelled by Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Emmet Doyle (Aontú).

Cllr Doyle said: "Costs for tenants are constantly rising - whether it be food, fuel or rates and we now have yet another rise in rent which people can ill afford.

Housing Executive rents to increase by 7%

"The Housing Executive and its staff do fantastic work, but this rent hike during a cost of living crisis will hit those with the least the hardest.

"We all want to see investment in our public housing stock but I fear this will simply push more people into arrears when they are already struggling.

"With the recent decision by establishment parties to rise the rates in Derry and Strabane by almost 8% coupled with this rise, we are pushing people down the road of poverty. We should be prioritising support, not more hardship.”