Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020
154. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average length of time spent on the social housing list in County Wexford; his plans to reduce the times; the number on the social housing list in each of the past 12 months and each month to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19431/20]
View answer162. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average length of time spent on the social housing list in north central areas of County Cork; his plans to reduce these times; the number on the social housing list for each of the past 12 months and each month of 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19485/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 162 together.
Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The purpose of the SSHA is to capture the total number of households qualified for social housing support across the country whose social housing need has not yet been met, in order to better inform policy and plan for the delivery of the right types of housing support.
The most recent summary, conducted in June 2019, shows that 68,693 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 3,165 households or 4.4% on the last assessment in June 2018. Since 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 68,693, a reduction of 25%.
Below is the link to the summary report for 2019 which includes breakdowns by each local authority, across a range of categories. SSHA data is collected and collated at local authority level and therefore a breakdown of the numbers by electoral area cannot be provided. Details on the length of time spent on the record of qualified households (waiting lists) can be found at tables 2.8 and A1.8 of the report, although it does not record data on a month by month basis in the manner sought.
In relation to the questions posed by the Deputy's regarding the average time spent on the housing list, information of this specific type is not held by my Department.
Report 2019
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/sha_summary_2019_dec_2019_web_1.pdf.
With regards to the SSHA process for 2020, given the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on local authorities and nature of the work involved in conducting the SSHA, it has been decided to defer the commencement of the SSHA process to allow local authorities to continue to focus their resources on immediate priorities. However, recognising that the SSHA is a very important part of the evidence base for housing policy at both local authority and national level, the deferment will be reviewed periodically and it is intended that it will be commenced as soon as is practicable.
