uuptoday.org

East Belfast UUP spokesman Michael Copeland said new legislation that will limit private landlords and rack-renters from extorting tenants who dwell in sub-standard accommodation should also be applied to the Housing Executive.

In a statement Mr Copeland said,

“Government recently introduced legislation designed to protect tenants from landlords renting sub-standard accommodation from hiking their prices up. This is a welcome move but it will do little unless it is applied to the government’s own housing agencies, some of whom are the biggest culprits in the supply of sub-standard accommodation.

In Northern Ireland the Housing Executive is struggling from a lack of funding and a decreasing quality in the standard of its properties which is exacerbated by an increasing level of demand.

If government are to apply new rules to private landlords then they should lead by example and get their own housing agencies in check too. With a large number of people looking for that most basic human right – a decent place to live – it is vital that the government provides not only affordable housing for those that need it most, but also ensures that the standard of that housing is up to scratch. I have to say in my experience to date of dealing with a great many housing cases, this is not the way things currently stand.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has expressed his concern that out of this recent political process there has been no resolution to the long standing problem of the parading issue.

“It is my belief that many parts of society here are moving towards a more mature and sensitive attitude to cultural issues than was the case in the past. In recent times we have seen important steps forward. I was greatly struck by the respect afforded to “God Save the Queen” at the recent Ireland-England Rugby match at Croke Park. Equally I welcome the important steps taken by the Loyal Orders in recent years to reach out and promote understanding of their parading activities across the community through many community initiatives.

“The way of many Orangemen has been blocked because of the intolerance displayed by republicans and because of the threat of violence posed against parades. Members of the Loyal Institutions in areas like Portadown, Dunloy, Lurgan and Newtownbutler to name but a few have been treated disgracefully over recent years by the joint destructive management of republicans and the Parades Commission.

“Society here seems at last to be moving forward on a basis of tolerance and mutual respect. The tens of thousands of members of the Loyal Orders who will be parading our streets this summer ask nothing more than to be allowed to bear witness to their tradition and faith in an atmosphere of peace and respect - just as we respect the right of members of the nationalist tradition to express their culture and identity.

“It is long overdue for republicans and government to provide a more positive attitude towards the Loyal Orders and their culture. A positive resolution to this matter should have been secured prior to any acceptance of sharing First and Deputy First Ministers Office with Sinn Fein/IRA at Stormont.

“The Loyal Orders are an equal and important strand in the great diversity of culture we enjoy here in Northern Ireland”, concluded Tom. “If Northern Ireland is to move forward it can afford to leave no section of its community behind. It is important that we all feel we are stakeholders in the shared future. My hope therefore is for a positive long-term resolution to the parading situation in the province, which will show tolerance and mutual respect on all sides”.