COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 12, 2015

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the HAP as it operates in this County and to identify the challenges facing this Council in achieving targets.

REPLY:

The Housing Assistance Payment Scheme commenced in South Dublin County Council in December 2014 as one of seven “Wave 1” Local Authorities and the only Dublin Local Authority to pilot the scheme.

339 tenancies have been created as at the end of September. 75% of these tenancies are new tenants and 25% have moved from Rent Supplement to HAP. All of those who have moved from rent supplement are financially better off on the HAP scheme in the SDCC area.

The initial challenges in rolling out the scheme included the documentation acceptable that was available to landlords to prove their ownership of the property, however after consultation with Limerick, the Shared Services Centre (The HUB), the number of approved documents was increased which has seen an increase in the number of valid applications lodged.

A further initial challenge was the emergence of atypical scenarios in relation to areas such as landlords in receivership, bona fide tenancies, tax clearance issues etc. A strong working relationship has developed with the Hub who are available for advice and support in these areas.

In July 2015 the payments under the HAP scheme increased by 20% this has seen an increased volume in applications lodged with the Council which in itself is a challenge. For Example, there are currently 63 applications received since 08th September awaiting sign up or validation. In order to meet targets, the council will begin the process of transferring those on rent supplement over to the HAP scheme when dedicated staff resources are further identified.