Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has urged Housing Minister Gordon Lyons to address rising rent prices in Northern Ireland. Gildernew serves as the party's housing spokesperson.

New figures indicate average rents have increased in recent years. Gildernew stated that rent prices are out of control. He accused Lyons of failing to manage the situation, which he said affects families' ability to pay.

Gildernew linked high rents to insufficient delivery of social and affordable homes under Lyons. He noted that Lyons received funding to buy 600 homes for temporary accommodation but has not purchased any.

Gildernew called on Lyons to prioritise resources for building more homes.