East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA Michael Copeland has responded to comments by the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland that the Housing Executive is failing its tenants and taxpayers, following an independent report on multi-million pound maintenance contracts.
Mr Copeland who is his Party’s spokesperson on Social Development matters, said:
“A number of years ago the Housing Executive was forced in pursuit of alleged financial savings, to abandon its direct service organisation and enter into contractual arrangements with private companies to provide a range of services for their tenants.
This necessitated the issuing of tenders and the receipt of quotations. As is usually the case, the least expensive appeared to be the most favourable.
This method of procurement has in other areas been shown to be vulnerable as it does not always produce the quality of work required. There is also the risk of fraud with use of material and time being manipulated to enhance profits.
The story related by the Department through the Minister this morning is almost beyond comprehension, and whilst quite rightly a substantial degree of blame resides within the Housing Executive, it should not in my view, appear alone in the dock on this occasion.
The current Minister bears overall responsibility for this situation. He must act and more importantly he must act quickly and responsibly.
It is not enough to blame those who merely implement policies that are created and directed from elsewhere.”
-ENDS-