GSD Criticises Government Over Second Phase Of Rent And Repair Scheme

The GSD has criticised the Government’s announcement of a further 25 properties under the Rent and Repair scheme, saying the number will do little to address the housing waiting list, which it says currently stands at 660.

A statement from the GSD follows below:

It is somewhat rich for a Government - whose record on housing is nothing to be proud of - to  boast with much excitement about the release of a mere 25 units as part of its Rent and Repair  scheme. 

For the Minister for Housing to announce the release of a further 25 units is not going to  provide much solace to those who have been languishing on the list for many years and less  so for those who simply cannot afford to spend money refurbishing properties. 

Damon Bossino said: “This is a government which was elected on a promise to clear the  waiting list by the end of this term yet the number remains at 660. Perhaps the Minister for  Housing should explain how she intends to keep to that promise when time is fast running out.  Perhaps also she should ask herself why she has been asked so many times about the release  of further properties under this scheme and whether it is more borne of desperation than  anything else.”