Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
387. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the rule regarding local authority housing list transfers will be changed, ensuring that those who have been on a local authority housing list for a number of years do not go to the end of the list if they transfer to a different local authority's list (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16029/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
A household, meeting either the residence or local connection condition, may specify up to three areas of choice for receipt of support in the areas of all local authorities in the county and city concerned and, if qualified, will be entered on the housing waiting list of each of those local authorities. In accordance with Regulations, a household may not change their areas of choice for a year. If after a year they decide to change their location choices, then the restriction on changing the choices again for a year applies again, and so on.
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.
