Derry homeless figures‘worrying’ says Durkan

The SDLP social justice spokesperson was speaking after figures obtained from Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín showed that as of June 2020, the total number of applicants in Foyle stood at 4, 071 and 2,732 were accepted as homeless.

“The Communities Minister confirmed in response to my question that 2,732 people currently on the housing waiting list are deemed homeless, across the Foyle constituency. That is a 206 increase on February’s figures and is indicative of a worrying trend of what’s to come.

“These figures are shocking but unfortunately something people of this city have become accustomed too. Time and time again, Foyle hits top of the homeless statistics- crucially behind these numbers are individuals, families and many children waiting in anguish.”

Mr. Durkan said it was another example of the ‘deprivation people in Derry have had to endure.’ He said it was time Derry got its fair share and a properly balanced regional economy.

“In total there are 21, 955 homeless applications across the North with areas of deprivation like Foyle, West Belfast and North Belfast worst affected. This will no doubt be further compounded by the fact that 59% of the social housing build target remains unmet for 2019/20. It is therefore gravely concerning that the 2020/21 social housing build budget is down £19 million on the previous year.”