Domestic abuse survivors can now transfer time spent on social housing list to new local authority

VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS of domestic abuse will now be able to transfer time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority.

The reform has been introduced by Minister for Housing James Browne following “extensive consultation” with local authorities and Cuan, the state agency dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The National Women’s Council of Ireland and Women’s Aid had both raised the issue with the minister in the past. 

The charity has said that, to date, concern that a woman will lose her place on a social housing list if she moves has been a factor that a woman has to consider when trying to escape a domestic violence situation.

Under the new protocol, victims and survivors with an active social housing support application will be able to apply to another local authority and retain their original qualification date.

Applicants must meet the social housing support eligibility and need criteria in the receiving local authority and provide evidence of domestic, sexual or gender-based abuse.

Advertisement

Receiving local authorities will have the option to waive local connection requirements on a discretionary basis, and original social housing applications will be closed once a new application transfer is completed.

Each local authority will appoint a designated contact point to support coordination.

It’s understood Browne personally embedded the issue as an action within the latest housing action plan. In a statement, he said it is a matter he has “prioritised”. 

“Women fleeing domestic abuse and violence need to be supported to transfer so that they can be safe and secure. We simply weren’t approaching this consistently across the country and it wasn’t good enough and I wanted to get this sorted,” he said. 

There should never be any barrier to a household getting out and away from a domestic violence and abuse situation to receiving proper social housing and getting the security and stability they deserve and need.

“This allows individuals and families who may need to relocate to another part of the country to do so without being penalised or essentially have time spent on a housing list in one county expire when they want or need to move.”

The new protocol will be issued to all local authorities via a circular with implementation taking effect immediately.

An information webinar will be put in place for local authority staff and Cuan-funded service providers.

The Department of Housing will monitor implementation of the protocol through quarterly data returns in order to establish its uptake and impact as it becomes embedded in local authority housing allocation processes.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal