A Mid-Ulster assemblyman has expressed concerns at the Housing Executive's reported decision to suspend repair projects.

Unionist MLA Billy Armstrong said: "I am deeply concerned at these reports of work being halted by the Housing Executive.

Mr Armstrong said he has already contacted Housing Minister Margaret to impress upon her the urgency of the problem.

"I am obviously concerned for those in the building trade in Mid-Ulster, as well as across Northern Ireland, and have asked the Minister what exactly is going on at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), specifically with regard to their budget, and their maintenance and heating programmes."

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Mr Armstrong said social housing building schemes and maintenance projects are necessary to sustain some local construction.

"Surely it would be preferable, by both the Executive and those in the building trade for money to be used wisely in providing the funds to ensure that these people are able to do the job that they enjoy rather than have to use the funds to pay them through benefits when they join the dole queue," he said.

A spokesman for NIHE said: "The Housing Executive is urgently reviewing all its programmes of work including new build, private sector grants, and its improvements and repairs services.

"I can confirm that we are currently undertaking urgent repairs only for our tenants. Routine repairs will be taken note of and held until a later date."

Executive officials had earlier revealed they expected a sharp decline in the number of people purchasing social housing stock this year, resulting in reduced revenue for the body.

(PR/JM)