Derry & Strabane Councillor call for immediate freeze on bereavement-related housing evictions
Independent Derry City & Strabane District Councillor Jason Barr has written to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons calling for an immediate freeze on all planned evictions and proceedings involving family members who are facing the loss of their home following the death of a loved one.
Councillor Barr said the current policy surrounding tenancy succession is causing unnecessary distress to families who are already dealing with bereavement.
“Across Strabane and beyond, families who have just lost a loved one are finding themselves facing the additional trauma of eviction proceedings,” Colr. Barr said. “At a time when people should be receiving compassion and support, many are instead being forced to worry about whether they will lose the roof over their heads.
“These individuals are trying to navigate one of the most difficult periods of their lives while simultaneously facing the uncertainty and stress of court action and potential homelessness.”
Under existing housing policies, social housing tenancies can only be succeeded a limited number of times. Councillor Barr argued that this policy is no longer fit for purpose, particularly during a housing crisis where demand for accommodation continues to outstrip supply.
“We are currently facing a housing crisis across this country, yet policies such as this risk pushing even more people towards homelessness. It simply does not make sense,” he said.
“What makes the situation even more frustrating is the financial burden placed on taxpayers. Every eviction can carry significant costs through legal proceedings, property clearance, refurbishment works and the eventual re-letting of the property. In many cases, this can amount to thousands of pounds per home.”
In his correspondence to the Minister, Cllr Barr has called for an immediate suspension of all evictions and court proceedings connected to tenancy succession cases until a full review of the policy can be undertaken.
“This is about basic fairness and humanity. Families who have recently suffered a bereavement deserve stability while they come to terms with their loss. They should not be living under the threat of losing their home.
“I am calling on the Minister to intervene immediately, halt these evictions and ensure that the policy is properly reviewed. The right thing to do is to put people before bureaucracy.”
Colr. Barr said he hopes that urgent action will be taken to protect vulnerable families from further hardship.