Deferral Of 'Bedroom Tax' Is Ruled Out

SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised Minister Nelson McCausland for ruling out any proposal to defer the introduction of the 'Bedrooom Tax' or under-occupancy legislation from becoming law here.

Mr Durkan said: "Mr McCausland's dismissal of what is, in my opinion, a conservative suggestion from NIFHA to defer the bedroom tax for six months displays a disregard of the opinions of experts and a disdain for those living in social housing.


"We do not have social housing stock that is suitable. We have nowhere near enough smaller units and our housing is regrettably segregated in nature.

"People will not be able to afford to live in their homes but nothing is being done by the Government to provide suitable solutions or alternatives.

"At a time when housing lists are at an all-time high and we have so many people registered as homeless, Government should be building more homes. However, just last week Nelson McCausland handed back £8m from the new-build programme.

"While this will be re-directed to co-ownership schemes, we would much rather see it channeled toward building much-needed social housing."

(CD)