Chris Hazzard, Sinn Féin MLA for South Down.[/caption]
Chris Hazzard, Sinn Féin South Down MLA, has welcomed plans to reform Social Housing Rent Policy and has called on DSD Minister Mervyn Storey to ensure fairness for tenants currently facing out of control service charges.
Speaking in the Assembly on the need to curtail excessive charges, Mr Hazzard said: “Throughout South Down we are seeing unrealistic hikes in housing services charges; this is entirely unfair and unsustainable.
“I am delighted that the Minister is now bringing forward proposals to tackle this scourge, but it is vital that any changes make the system transparent, consistent and fair.
“Consultation on these proposals will be published over the summer months so it is crucial that tenants engage as soon as possible.
“The days of inexplicable hikes in charges must be resigned to the past… we need to secure tenure for people in their homes and give them assurances that they won’t be overcharged for basic services, or indeed for services that are not being provided.”
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