COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, April 11, 2011

MOTION NO 15.

MOTION: Councillor C. King

"That this Council calls on the Manager to arrange for a Sub Committee of the Housing  and Social SPC to be established to examine a new scheme of letting priorities which knits together all of the new schemes being delivered through housing allocations and to also provide specific policy on the increasing problem of people applying for social housing who have lost their mortgaged homes to their respective bank, as the current 'limbo' these prospective applicants currently find themselves in is unacceptable".

REPORT:

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, Section 22, requires Housing Authorities to make a new Allocation Scheme to determine the allocation of dwellings to households assessed as being qualified for social housing support.  Consequent on the commencement of Section 22  on 14th June 2010, each housing authority is requried to make an allocation scheme by 13th June 2011 and the indications from the Department are that use the existing Scheme incorporating the changes introduced in respect of assessment of social housing need.  South Dublin County Council are currently drafting an Allocation Scheme for examination by the Housing and Social SPC. 

The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 came into effect on 1st April 2011.  Housing Allocations Section are currently preparing the prescribed application form and updating staff in this regard. 

With regard to persons who have had their homes repossessed by mortgage companies, the Council has recognised this issue and permitted those to apply for housing on certain grounds i.e. tenancies cannot be awarded until confirmation of sale of dwelling and relevant financial documentation received, such applicants are still listed as owners of these dwellings on Land Registry. While on the housing list such applicants may avail of supplementary rent allowance at the discrection of the local Community Welfare Officer.