COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2009

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor M. Corr

To ask the Manager to indicate the number of applications for social housing that are currently backlogged, also indicating the date that the oldest unprocessed application was received and what the average wait time is for applicants to receive notification of their position on the list?

REPLY:

The Council has experienced a 70% increase in applications for housing accommodation on the 2008 figure for the January to June period.  This has resulted in a backlog of applications for processing which at present is approximately 1,700.  The oldest non processed application was received on the 20th April 2009.  All applications are date stamped on receipt and processed in sequence.  As the criteria for allocation of Housing is “time on list” which is derived from the date of application this means that all approved applications will be entered on the list in accordance with the application date.

Allocations Section has designated staff to specifically address the backlog .  It is envisaged to have the backlog cleared by mid November 2009.  It is proposed at that time to generate a Housing List and issue notification to all applicants.  

Also at that time a new procedure for the assessment of applications will be put in place.  The applicant will be given an appointment for interview with a housing official who will process the application in real time and enter them on the housing list if applicable.  If successful they will receive their confirmation of inclusion on the list with reference and PIN number.   A letter of confirmation will also be issued to enable the applicant to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance if required.