COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor D. Richardson

Due to the nature of the housing crisis it is difficult to find a house unless you have Homeless HAP. This council agrees to write to the Minister asking that he re-examines the HAP rates so that people on normal HAP can find homes quicker and stop them entering into homelessness. Until such a time that rent controls are brought in and enforced for existing properties and new rentals.

REPORT:

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is a client led housing support which also features a Homeless HAP option for enhanced support for homeless persons.

HAP has been successful in providing accommodation sourced by the applicant to those on the Council's housing list and also for persons in homeless accommodation through the enhanced supports.  The figures in the table below show that the numbers sourcing properties through HAP are significantly higher than those utilising the Homeless HAP option:

Year	Regular HAP	Homeless HAP	Total
2017	852	207	1,059
2018	227	122	349
Totals	1079	329	1,408

If the Motion is passed a letter will issue to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and the response will be circulated to members.