An SDLP assemblyman has called on the Finance Minister to increase the housing budget in order to meet housing need and help secure maintenance contracts.

Thomas Burns, the SDLP's housing spokesman, said Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie does not have the power to increase her own allocation.

He said the onus on was the Finance Minister to "make good" the Executive commitment of making social housing a priority.

"The SDLP is well aware of the toll the economic downturn has taken on the construction industry and in turn how this affected the housing budget in terms of new builds and maintenance contracts," said Mr Burns.

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"We have long argued that building more social housing will address not only housing need but can perform a key role in terms of an economic multiplier."

Mr Burns cited the views of economists such as Prof Mike Smyth, from the University of Ulster, who said house building can play a key role in economic recovery.

"I am sure the Social Development Minister would love to increase the budget allocation for Decent Homes and related programmes," said the MLA.

“However, no one has put forward any indication where she should take the money from or identified the potential consequences of reduced funding elsewhere especially in new builds - where the economic arguments in favour are now well rehearsed."

He added: "The reality is - the Social Development Minister does not have the money to increase her own budget and the onus is now on the Finance Minister regardless of who it is to ensure that housing is given an adequate budget to meet housing need."

(PR/JM)