Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
389. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people on local authority housing lists who are wheelchair users or persons with disabilities requiring UD+ or UD++ accommodation; if he will provide data as to the percentage of social housing builds per each local authority which are being, or are due to be built, to UD+ standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29687/23]
View answerDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area, and their housing requirements, are provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
A new housing option 'Wheelchair liveable' was added to the social housing support application form in 2021, to allow applicants indicate their need for wheelchair accessible accommodation. This addition is intended to help local authorities to identify and prepare dwellings for social housing applicants who require housing specifically catered to their needs. The SSHA was also updated to reflect the new housing option. There were no households with this particular requirement recorded in the 2022 SSHA return. It is, however, likely to take time for this new more detailed categorisation of need to become apparent as the new and revised applications are completed by social housing support applicants. I am hopeful that the 2023 SSHA will provide further data in this regard.
The 2022 SSHA return recorded 3,842 households as having an accommodation requirement due to a physical, sensory, mental health, or intellectual disability.
A copy of the summary report for 2022, which includes breakdowns by each local authority, across a range of categories, can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/
In relation to the delivery of UD+ and UD++ housing, the policy document National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022 – 2027 published December 2021, sets a requirement for local authorities in the delivery of social housing, to ensure that 50% of the new builds being reserved for disabled people in each local authority area being wheelchair liveable, i.e. meeting Centre for Excellence in Universal Design 'UD Home' recommendations.
My Department continues to fully support and provide funding for the provision by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies of specialised housing for persons with specific disabilities and long-term illnesses, such that the dwelling needs to be designed with the specific end user requirements in mind, as well as taking on board their family and carers' needs.
