28/03/2019

February Homelessness Figures 'Hugely Disappointing'

A total of 10,264 people accessed emergency accommodation in February 2019, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Housing.

Describing the latest figures as "hugely disappointing", the Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, said: "The increase in homelessness in February is hugely disappointing. Our plans to fix the supply of both social and private housing are working and this is borne out by the most recent build figures. The latest RTB report also shows rent falling at the end of 2018. And yet still we see more people entering emergency accommodation.

"I am in constant contact with local authorities and am working with them to help move families out of emergency accommodation and into sustainable housing solutions. As well as the increased supply of social housing, HAP will continue to play a vital role in providing families with a place to live until supply catches up. We will continue to work with families to demonstrate the benefits of this scheme over emergency accommodation.

"Further reforms to the rental sector containing new protections for the most vulnerable in our housing sector, including longer notice periods will be coming before cabinet in the coming days. Details will be published next week."


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