Tenants First - Report Damns Government Housing Policy & calls for action
11 May 2009
A campaign for a strong egalitarian and democratic national housing strategy was launched today at Liberty Hall by Tenants First. Calls were made for an urgent National Housing Strategy to be adopted and implemented by those in attendance which included tenants, community workers, academics and others working in the housing sector.
The report highlights the haphazard and fragmented approach the government uses with regard to housing. Brian Dillon from Tenants First and Author of the report said "This document puts forward a viable, and strategic housing strategy that calls on government to use the money it is wasting on rent allowance, leases, landlords and developers and use it to provide houses that people can call their. No where else in the world is pursing policies that this government insist on using. It makes no business sense at all. This government is spending billions on ineffective housing policies that does not provide long term sustainable housing for people".
While speaking at the event Dr. John Bissett said "People's houses are being reposed, rent is in arrears, housing lists are getting longer, yet Minister John Gormley shows no sign of changing direction or using a more efficient approach to housing that focuses on housing need instead of money making rackets for developers and landlords. We are calling on people to lobby their local politician and demand a national board and a co-ordinated strategy that deliver houses."
Speakers at the event include Brian Dillon (Tenants First), Anne Speed (Head of Equality and Campaigning, SIPTU), Dr. John Bissett, (author of Regeneration: Public Good or Private Profit), Dr. Rory Hearne, (Community worker) and tenant representatives. The Policy document can be downloaded from www.stmichaelsestate.ie or www.dicp.ie
Ends.