Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast and Housing Spokesperson Fra McCann has stated that the Housing Executive suspension of part of the housing selection scheme will have serious consequences for the transfer of tenants from unsuitable accommodation, to accommodation more suited to their needs.

Mr McCann said: "This will have serious consequences for those with disabilities and those living in overcrowded conditions who have applied for a transfer, it will also trap many people in houses unsuited to their needs who have been trying to get moved, in some cases for years.

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"This has come as a consequence of a judicial review last week in which a judge indicated that housing authorities should allocate houses to those at the top of the waiting list rather than those also awaiting a transfer.

"The Housing Executive has suspended the system of transferring people to properties more suited to their needs and people who have already been told they were moving and had properties allocated to them have had that allocation suspended and now face an uncertain future in properties which may be detrimental to their health.

"I don't believe the judge knew the consequences of his actions, I intend writing to the Justice Minister and Attorney General about this decision that needs an urgent rethink and needs to be reversed."

(CD/JP)