COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Monday, April 21, 2008

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor M. Corr

That the Manager outlines why when a tenant who doesn't qualify for a transfer due to the "two year rule" applies for a transfer that no record is kept of this transaction, does the manager accept that this data even though the tenant does not qualify for a transfer is valuable in terms of research and customer care.  That data such as this can be used as a legitimate indicator of how well or badly a particular estate or area is scoring in relation to customer satisfaction, antisocial behaviour etc. is concerned.  That this data along with the number of vacant houses and arrears can be indicative of problems within an estate and when such conditions exist that additional attention and resouces are drawn into the area to address any problems that may have escalated.

REPORT:

All applications for transfer to alternative accommodation ar rercorded electronically.  Where an applicant is assessed for inclusion on the transfer list he/she is notified accordingly.  Where an application for inclusion on the transfer list is rejected because of failure to meet the qualifying criteria, the appliant is notified in writing of the reasons for the Council's decision having regard to the stated transfer policy.

Tenants may be placed on the Transfer List for within a Housing Area of their choice subject to the following conditions:

·        Minimum two years tenancy in existing dwelling.

·        Clear rent account – this condition may be waived on exceptional compassionate grounds.

·        Compliance with terms of tenancy during existing tenancy.

·        Dwelling inspected and found to be in satisfactory condition

However, priority is afforded to applicants  on the basis of the following criteria  and placed on the the transfer list in order of date of application.

(a)    Exceptional medical/compassionate grounds (The  Council’s Medical Advisors/ Senior Housing Welfare Officer, as appropriate will advise )

(b)   On grounds of anti-social behaviour where a Garda Superintendent has stated that there is a risk to personal safety

(c)    Older Persons (aged 55 or over) downsizing accommodation

(d)   Transfer applicants downsizing to the specific unit size of accommodation that matches their need according to section 8 of Part 2 of this Scheme.

(e)    Overcrowding

(f)     Tenants other than those in categories (c) and (d) above downsizing accommodation to make better use of housing stock

 Transfer applicants under criteria (a) to (d) above will be prioritised.

The data information and management tools referred to in the motion which support the collation of local and national service indicators  are fully employed by  Housing Department for the purpose of informing housing allocations policy, identifying anti-social blackspots, arrears management, estate enhancement programmes in the interest of working towards the development of sustainable communities throughout the county.