Belfast News: 451 on NI Housing List For Over 15 Years

In the age of prosperity, when the news talks of billions of pounds almost as if it is insignificant and where around the world including the United Kingdom and Ireland there are people that are worth billions, we can often forget those in most need.



The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has a statutory duty to administer the smooth running of the NI Housing List yet following a Freedom of Information request they have disclosed that 501 applicants have been on the NI Housing List for 15 years or more.



Regardless of threatened costs, apparent claims that the request would exceed 18 hours, we finally secured the shaming figure.



You might be thinking why is so important to have such information. Well, here is why! Behind each figure, is an individual, people on the NIHE NI Housing List possibly in desperate need for housing due to for example domestic violence, trauma or poor housing conditions. Some might even have a statutory right and a priority need right under the law. Some may be living in shocking 3rd world conditions without bathrooms, inside toilets, cooking facilities or heating.



In recent days people desperate for homes, angered at the perceived bais of the NIHE have taken action to air their frustrations and without realising it may have crossed boundaries themselves even though their argument is sound, their point is lost in the news broadcasts of the claims of intimidation of the proposed new tenants. But history teaches us that to ignore such voices leads to greater dangers and social unrest



Lets assume it is you urgently seeking a home, life on pause and after 15 years still no action, after 30 years nothing after 40 years nothing, what would you do?



The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has a duty in some cases a statutory duty, if you don't hold them to account who will?