Brett Campbell
Today at 12:41
Stormont’s Communities Minister has confirmed the removal of intimidation points from the Housing Executive’s process of prioritising the allocation of properties to tenants.
Gordon Lyons described the change to NIHE’s Housing Selection Scheme as a bid to “level the playing field for victims of violence” while making the announcement in the Assembly.
He said the move would support the Executive’s work in tackling Violence Against Women and Girls by focusing on how violence, or the threat of violence, affects victims and their ability to remain in their home.
“It has long been a source of frustration to me, along with many others in the chamber, that the Selection Scheme treats victims of violence differently, based on the cause of that violence,” Mr Lyons continued.
“Currently, a victim of terrorism receives a greater award of points than a victim of domestic abuse. Someone targeted because of their ethnic identity receives more points than someone targeted because of their gender.
“Going forward, the points for violence or threat of violence within the Scheme will not exclude any victims of abuse, violence or trauma. Regardless of causation, victims will be assessed using the same criteria within the Housing Selection Scheme operated by the NIHE."
The removal of intimidation points means all victims will now be able to access the same categories of points.
Mr Lyon’s said it is an important step forward for all those who have suffered violence, harassment or trauma for any reason – including victims of domestic abuse.
The DUP MLA said transitional protection will be applied and that applicants already awarded 200 points for intimidation will retain them in accordance with the rules in place at the time.
“Applicants who have alleged intimidation and whose circumstances are being considered under Rule 23, prior to its removal, will be investigated in line with existing policies and procedures. Where their circumstances meet Rule 23 criteria, they will be awarded 200 points,” he continued.
“Applicants who have experienced violence or abuse, or who are at risk of violence or abuse, whatever the motivation or perpetrator, will continue to be assessed and provided with emergency assistance under the homelessness legislation.
“The removal of intimidation points will not alter the Housing Executive’s duty to support those who need such emergency assistance and who find themselves unable to remain in their home.”
The Housing Executive will aim to remove Rule 23 by the end of this financial year.
NIHE chief executive Grainia Long welcomed the decision which followed a recommendation from the statutory body.
“We believe it will enable more appropriate ranking and allocation of social housing for those experiencing violence or risk of violence or domestic abuse – whatever the circumstances,” she said.
“Removal of intimidation points will, therefore, offer more parity between victims of violence and abuse and those at risk of violence and abuse, regardless of the motivation or source.
“We will now work with the Department for Communities and key stakeholders to take forward a review of the Primary Social Needs section of the scheme and implement any necessary changes.
“These points are currently awarded to those who have experienced violence, harassment, abuse or trauma.
“We would like to reassure applicants who have experienced actual violence or abuse or are at risk of violence or abuse, that they will continue to be assessed and provided with assistance under the Housing Selection Scheme and homelessness legislation.”
Meanwhile the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) also hailed the announcement as comes as new research highlighting challenges within the sector is published.
The study conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and commissioned by NIFHA looked at the allocation of points for cases of intimidation, particularly those linked to paramilitary groups, and how this negatively impacts on the fair distribution of housing.
It found the current system while well-intentioned in its aim to protect individuals from threats, has inadvertently impacted the allocation of housing based on need.
According to academics, the system skewed resources toward addressing intimidation cases usually at the expense of individuals facing other urgent housing needs including issues around disability, homelessness and domestic abuse.
"It has meant that some at-risk individuals are marginalised by a system that appears to be much more responsive to threat than need,’ the study found.
“The findings of the Queen’s research clearly highlight how the overemphasis on intimidation cases, particularly linked to paramilitary activity, has contributed to inefficiencies and perceptions of unfairness in the system. We are encouraged that the Minister’s decision reflects these realities and this decision will support the development of successful, shared communities.
“This policy change is a critical first step, but we must also take a holistic approach to address the broader challenges outlined in the Queen’s report. By focusing on fairness and transparency, we can create a social housing system that works better for everyone.”
Dr Brendan Sturgeon, Global Research Development Manager at Queen’s University Belfast and co-author on the report commented: “The report examines the challenges for registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland that are created by the points-based system used to allocate social housing.
"We specifically examined the ways in which the current system allocates points for intimidation – particularly for intimidation connected to paramilitary groups.
“We found that this intimidation has a significant and deleterious impact on the allocation of housing, the allocation of housing by need and the development of successful shared communities. Intimidation has had systematic and practical consequences for a process that now appears to be much more responsive to threat than need.”
by Browns_right_foot
2 comments
Good, as someone that works in the sector it was far too open for exploitation. Rewarding shitty behaviour and queue jumping was far to prevelant.
It is a system that was openly exploited so i cant see an issue with this.
The majority of people with legitimate threats have them due to anti social behaviour and I don’t think they should be rewarded for that.
I suppose given the unique situation in Northern Ireland it should still be looked at on a case by case basis though, because if anything does happen to someone under threat as a result of these changes the department may be liable.
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