Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
107. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that time spent on a local authority social housing list is not retained when an applicant transfers to another local authority area housing list meaning that an applicant must start from the beginning again; if he will consider measures to retain time spent on the local authority housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2394/22]
View answerThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 (as amended) provide that households may apply for support to one local authority only. Usually, this will be the local authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which the household has a local connection. Local authorities may also, at their discretion, assess households with no link to the area for support.
Generally, is not possible for a household previously on one social housing waiting list to carry the time spent on that list when applying to another local authority. This ensures any unfairness that might arise for households already on a waiting list in a receiving local authority is avoided.
Households are reassessed against the eligibility and need criteria set down in the relevant legislation when transferring to another local authority area. If deemed eligible, they qualify for the suite of social housing supports, including the Housing Assistance Payment, and are placed on the housing list to be considered for suitable tenancies in accordance with the relevant local authority’s allocation scheme. Notwithstanding, local authorities will prioritise allocations to those households they consider to be most in need at any moment in time.
Provision for tenancy movements is being examined and I will consider proposals regarding such movement along with the other reform package measures.
