Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
259. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current average wait time to be accepted on to the housing list in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27614/21]
View answer260. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current expected wait time on the housing list in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27615/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 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 most recent summary, conducted in November 2020, shows that 61,880 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 6,813 households or 9.9% on the last assessment in June 2019. Since 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 61,880, a reduction of 32.4%.
Below is the link to the summary report for 2020 which includes breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories.
With respect to the expected wait time on the housing list in each county, my Department does not hold that information. However, Figure 2.8 and Table A1.8 provide details on the length of time households have been on the record of qualified households (the Waiting List).
In relation to the question posed by the Deputy regarding the current average wait time to be accepted on to the housing list in each county, information of this specific type is not held by my Department. However, Regulation 12 of the 2011 Regulations prescribes the timescales for the processing of applications by local authorities and provides that, subject to conditions, a local authority shall deal with an application within a period of 12 weeks. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and ensure that such applications are dealt with within timeframes that are significantly shorter that the statutory maximum. Different timescales may apply where the local authority requires additional information from the applicant within the relevant period, as defined in the Regulations, thus leading to possible extensions to the 12 week deadline in terms of completing the application process.
2020 Report
www.gov.ie/en/publication/970ea-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2020-key-findings/
