Eamonn McCann calls for Housing Executive to be funded and allowed embark on massive public housing programme in Derry

Councillor McCann claimed the Housing Executive has been 'systematically downgraded' over the past three decades.

He has reiterated his call for the NIHE to be allowed to borrow on the strength of its assets in order to raise cash for a major home-building programme.

"The threat to the Housing Executive from Stormont has now become urgent.

"Tens of thousands of people across the North, and indeed across the whole island, are desperate to have a house to turn into a home.

"Disgracefully, Derry and Strabane has the highest level of homelessness across the North.

"The Housing Executive has been systematically downgraded by Stormont in favour of unaccountable Housing Associations and blocked from the funding it needs to properly renovate its existing stock and to take the lead in building desperately needed new homes. The embargo must end.

"We are calling on everyone to make saving the Housing Executive a priority. Passing motions of support count for nothing if it isn't backed up with action in Stormont. We need to see policy action now by all those who profess to be in favour of defending the Housing Executive."

At the monthly meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council on Thursday Mr. McCann intends proposing a motion calling for the Council to support the 'right to a decent home', contained in the 'New Decade, New Approach' and for it to support a campaign for affordable housing for all across the island.