NI Housing Executive boss defends group

03/07/2012 09:39:07

 

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive boss has stood up for the group amid criticisms made by a forthcoming report over its dealings with repair work.

An independent report which is yet to be officially released has slammed the organisation about the way it dealt with maintenance contracts worth millions of pounds. It accuses the group of work conducted below expected standards as well as overcharging for repairs.

Brian Rowntree, who has just stepped down from his role, defended the body and said it was in talks to resolve the problems. He said neither he or his colleagues on the board have yet been given the chance to respond to the criticism.

Mr Rowntree submitted his resignation letter to Nelson McCausland, Social Development Minister, last Friday. Addressing the group's 3,000 workforce in an email, Mr Rowntree mentioned "personal stress" and "a challenging relationship" with the Social Development department.

Meanwhile Mr McCausland is gearing up to announce the results of an independent inquiry into repairs contracts which he revealed to MLAs held "alarming" evidence.

Copyright Press Association 2012

 

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