Housing | Tithíocht:

Since January 2020, the average house price in the North has increased by over £25,000, due in large part by a lack of supply in the housing market. That’s more than some people earn in a year. This represents a 10% increase in little over a year, and a 3% increase on the previous quarter. Of course, this is without factoring the increased cost of living and depreciated income arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Across the North, there are over 43,000 people on social housing waiting lists but over two thirds of those on waiting lists are statutorily in housing distress. Meanwhile, over 4,200 people are homeless on our streets. The Stormont Executive is failing in its duty of care towards the people. Aontú pledges to deliver swift, sustainable housing solutions which will meet housing demands and having a roof over your head you can call your own is not just a pipe dream but an attainable reality.

Aontú seek:

An increased tax on homes that are empty for over 2 years without good reason and a grant to get them back into use.
We seek the increased power to CPO derelict houses that are the source of anti-social behaviour.
We demand a significantly increased investment to build social and affordable homes from central government.
We demand that state land be made available for housing.
We are calling for an increased social housing responsibility for private developers
Introduce rent controls to regulate increase rents in private rental market.
A transparent system of multi-annual budgets for social and affordable housing.
Increased housing budget to reduce rent, house prices and housing waiting lists.
Delivery of at least 3,500 social and affordable homes per annum.
A facility to allow Credit Unions funds to be channelled into the building of Social Homes.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.