Consultation launched on fundamental review of social housing allocations
The Department for Communities (DfC) has launched a public consultation on proposals to improve how social homes are allocated.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s (NIHE) Housing Selection Scheme, the system for assessing housing need and allocating social homes, has been in place, largely unchanged, since 2000. Housing stress is affecting over 22,000 households in Northern Ireland and 11,000 households per year are considered homeless.
There are 20 proposals in total which include:-
• A greater choice of areas for all applicants;
• A reduction from three to two in the number of reasonable offers;
• The removal of intimidation points and temporary (interim) accommodation points;
• Emphasis on time waiting by placing applicants in bands based on similar level of need; and
• Specialist properties, such as wheelchair accessible accommodation, should be allocated by a separate process.
“The Department would be keen to hear the views of all those interested in this important issue.”
The outcome of this consultation including proposals for change will be presented to a Minister in due course.
The proposals support five outcomes as follows:
• A greater range of solutions to meet housing need;
• An improved system for the most vulnerable applicants;
• A more accurate waiting list that reflects current housing circumstances;
• Those in greatest housing need receive priority, with recognition of their time in need; and
• Better use of public resources by ensuring the waiting list moves smoothly.
The consultation will run until 21 December 2017.
The consultation document ‘A Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations Policy’ is available on the Department’s website, or by clicking here.
The Department will hold public events as outlined below to facilitate discussion on this document;
Date: 17 Oct 2017
Venue: Belfast Central Mission 5 Glengall St, Belfast, BT12 5AD
Presentation: 10am – 12pm
Drop In: 12pm – 1pm
Presentation: 2pm – 4pm
Date: 13 Nov 2017
Venue: City Hotel Queens Quay, Derry~Londonderry. BT48 7AS
Presentation: 10am – 12pm
Drop in: 12pm – 1pm
Date: 15 Nov 2017
Venue: Omagh Enterprise Centre Great Northern Road, Omagh. BT78 5LU
Presentation: 10am – 12pm
Drop In: 12pm – 1pm
Date: 21 Nov 2017
Venue: NICVA 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast. BT15 2GB
Presentation: 10am – 12pm
Drop In: 12pm – 1pm
Presentation: 2pm – 4pm
Date: 24 Nov 2017
Venue: Craigavon Civic Centre 66 Lakeview Rd, Craigavon. BT64 1AL
Presentation: 10am – 12pm
Drop In: 12pm – 1pm
To book your place at any of the events please notify the Department by email: allocations@communities-ni.gov.uk
