In terms of the delivery of social housing, the Government’s housing policy statement, published in June 2011, clearly identifies that the priority for Government will be to meet the most acute needs of households applying for social housing support. The Government is committed to responding more quickly and on a larger scale to social housing support needs through a variety of mechanisms, including through increased provision of social housing.
The Rental Accommodation Scheme is specifically targeted at households who are in receipt of Rent Supplement from the Department of Social Protection, generally for over 18 months, and who have been assessed as having a long-term housing need. An applicant must adhere to these qualifying conditions in order to be eligible for the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
Earlier this year the Government announced its decision in principle to support proposals to transfer responsibility for households in receipt of rent supplement, but with an established long-term social housing need, from the Department of Social Protection to the housing authorities. Housing authorities will provide this service using a new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). The detail of the proposed transfer and any standards or criteria to be introduced are in the process of being developed and agreed through an established Steering Group, chaired by my Department, and a number of specific working groups.
The proposed reform of the rent supplement scheme constitutes a major development in the provision of housing services and will require careful planning and consultation with interested parties. I hope to be in a position to announce further details of the new arrangements before the end of the year. It is envisaged that the roll - out of HAP will commence in 2013.
