New homes target met

Wednesday 1 September 2010

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has welcomed the progress by the Department for Social Development (DSD) on reaching its new homes target.

Mr Burns said: "I warmly congratulate the department and the minister Alex Attwood in reaching its target for new homes for this year.

"This is the largest number of new build social houses for a decade and we need to maintain this high level of achievement because we need to invest in our economy during recession through social housing. Now, people badly in housing need, not to mention the boost to the construction sector, will feel the benefits of this achievement.

"Coupled with this, housing unfitness levels are at a record low and the fight on fuel poverty continues to make gains, with the department installing over 2,700 efficient heating systems and helping 7,600 households with heating efficiency through the Warm Home Scheme.

"Unfortunately, with more swingeing cuts on the horizon we need to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are continually protected. I welcome the minister'.