NI Housing Executive to conduct local consultations to review allocation of social houses

by Gráinne Connolly

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) will be carrying out local consultations next month to review how social homes are allocated. 

The NIHE's summary of the consultation states: 

"A draft Equality Impact Assessment put together, will consider whether the proposals would have a differential impact and in particular, an adverse differential impact on the categories of persons listed in Section 75, and any subgroups within those categories." 

Section 75 is part of the NIHE's Equality Scheme which basically outlines a plan for ensuring that consideration of equality issues is central to housing policy information and decision-making. 

This means they must show equality between men and women generally, religious, racial or ethnic minorities, people with and without disabilities and people with and without dependents. 

The NIHE's Housing Selection Scheme has been in place, largely unchanged since 2000. 

Housing stress is affecting over 22,000 households in Northern Ireland and 11,000 households per year are considered homeless. 

The Department recognises the need for changes to the current Housing Selection Scheme to make the allocations process more fair, transparent and effective for all. 

A document has been put together which sets out 20 proposals; and that support the following five outcomes for the review: 

• a greater range of solutions to meet housing need
   
• an improved system for the most vulnerable applicants 
   
• a more accurate waiting list that reflects current housing circumstances
   
• those in greatest housing need to receive priority, with recognition of their time in need
   
• better use of public resources by ensuring the waiting list moves smoothly
   

The Department will hold public events as outlined below: 

Derry/L'Derry - City Hotel (Queens Quay)

13th November - 10am-12pm and 12pm-1pm

Omagh - Omagh Enterprise Centre (Great Northern Road) 

15th November - 10am-12pm and 12pm-1pm 

Belfast - NICVA (61 Duncairn Gardens) 

21st November - 10am-12pm, 12pm- 1pm and 2pm-4pm

Craigavon - Craigavon Civic Centre (66 Lakeview Road) 

24th November - 10am-12pm and 12pm-1pm. 

To book your place at any of the above events please notify the Department by email: allocations@communities-ni.gov.uk 

Or you can also respond to the proposals online and still get to have your say: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/consultations/fundamental-review-social-housing-allocations