Derry MLA raises concern as thousands of households stuck in temporary accommodation

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has deemed the growing numbers of households in temporary and emergency accommodation as shameful.  

Responding to a Freedom of Information request submitted by Mr Durkan, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) outlined that the number of placements, including those with children, living in temporary and emergency accommodation has risen from 4,616 in 2019/2020 to 9,381 in 2021/22. 

The Foyle MLA said: “It will come as no surprise, given the record-high 45,000 applicants on the social housing waiting list, that the numbers of individuals and families living temporary accommodation placements continues to grow. 

“It’s gravely concerning that these figures have more than doubled since 2019 to a staggering 9,381 placements. It’s likely that number is even higher given that data for 2022/23 is yet to be published.

"Worryingly, the removal of European Social Funding during that period and associated job losses, in conjunction with the growing trend of tenants losing private rented accommodation will push many more people into homelessness. 

“Behind the thousands of placements are people and families with no home to call their own. We must bear in mind that some of these placements include B&B and hostel type accommodation, where families with young children continue to face uncertain circumstances unaware if they will be in a property for three weeks, months or even years. This prevents people from setting down roots and securing necessary stability in their lives.   

“It’s shameful that right across the North families are being forced into short-term living arrangements because we simply have nowhere else to put them.

“The proposed cuts to homelessness services announced last week will serve to escalate a crisis which has already spiralled out of control. Immediate intervention is required now to mitigate against the perverse situation unfolding in the housing sector.

"These circumstances weren’t created overnight but the DUP’s continued boycott of the executive in light of harrowing reports which sees vulnerable households hit hardest, is disgraceful.”