Conway calls for clarity on new social housing guidelines

Wednesday, 20th June 2012

LABOUR TD for Waterford, Ciara Conway, is welcoming assurances from Minister for Housing Jan O'Sullivan that the current guidelines for social housing provision are under review in a light of difficulties being experienced by new applicants and those who already approved for housing.

This follows representations to the Minister by Deputy Conway who says clarity is needed on the eligibility criteria for Local Authority Housing.

"A lack of consistency is emerging between Local Authorities in how these new guidelines are being applied and the Department needs to provide clarity on this. I am aware of cases whereby lone parents are being told that they can't be approved for social housing because they have adequate accommodation at home with their parents."

"Single men and women in their thirties and forties who have been living independently for years are also encountering difficulties because of the new housing guidelines , which is a worrying development," said Deputy Conway.

The Waterford TD said while changes are needed to the housing system, the right of access to social housing for in certain circumstances must be protected.

"The vast majority of people reach a point in their life where they want to live independently of their parents. There are many working lone parents for whom social housing is the only option and this is equally true of many single people living alone. It is unfair to expect parents who have already reared their children to keep them at home and essentially meet the obligations of the state," she said.

"I welcome acknowledgement by the Minister that there is inconsistency in the application of the new housing guidelines and efforts are being made to address this issue which is causing a great deal of stress to many people. Clarification is essential for local authorities given the vital role they play in the provision of social housing," added Deputy Conway.