The government is creating drug users through its inaction on homelessness, according to a leading campaigner.
Fr Peter McVerry was critical of rising homelessness figures as he launched his charity’s pre-budget submission earlier today.
The McVerry trust were critical of the government response to the housing crisis – pointing out that the number of homeless people has risen every month since they launched their Rebuilding Strategy, which is now under review.
Fr Peter McVerry said forcing young people into hostels is ruining lives.
Their pre-budget submission called for a number of things:
An empty homes tax, a Housing First programme to put people in houses not hostels or hotels, the delivery of affordable housing and the restoration of full welfare payments for under 26s.
The McVerry Trust also said a Housing Executive that is independent of politics could be the best way to deliver homes and end the crisis.
