People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll has said a Housing Executive surplus of some £300m should fund a pay rise for striking workers.
He was commenting on revelations that the Housing Executive is holding unspent money earmarked for investment in home improvements.
Mr Carroll said the surplus should be used to give striking Housing Executive maintenance workers a proper pay rise.
“Funding earmarked for home improvements should cover a pay rise for the workers who repair and maintain those homes,” he stated.
“These workers could help clear the huge backlog of social housing repairs if the Housing Executive paid them what they’re worth. They worked throughout the pandemic, putting themselves at risk and ensuring people’s homes were maintained. They should not have to strike for a pay rise.”
He added: “News of this surplus is a slap in the face for striking maintenance workers who were told there was no money for them.”
Mr Carroll had called on the then Communities Minister to investigate whistleblower claims about the budget surplus and asked her to outline the spare cash amount.
“There is a clear lack of accountability for this unspent cash,” he said.
“The Housing Executive is sitting on huge amounts of money while its workers are relying on food banks.
“We need urgent intervention to ensure this money is put to proper use.”