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Independent councillor seeks clarity on efficacy of council housing policy, writes Dan Danaher
THE number of new social houses that are planned in Clare over the next two years will reduce the overall numbers seeking a permanent dwelling by about 11%.
On December 13, 2021, the total gross need of people requiring housing support was 2,994, which broke down to 1, 372, when about 1,600 who are receiving a Housing Assistant Payment in private rented accommodation are taken from the gross figure.
Under the Housing Action Plan 2022 to 2026, it is projected 349 social houses will be delivered in Clare over the next two years.
Councillor Gerry Flynn pointed out the provision of new houses in Clare will not make a huge impact on the extensive waiting list for housing support.
The Shannon councillor tabled a series of questions at a recent council meeting to try to obtain an accurate assessment of the demand from the public for housing support.
He also wanted to ascertain the methodology being applied in Clare as a response to the demand and the effects of the measures on addressing the serious issue for those in need of a home.
“The overall information I am requesting needs to focus entirely on the measures specifically applied by Clare County Council outside of approved housing bodies, housing assistance payments and leasing of accommodation as this will provide more transparency on how best to adjudicate on the effectiveness of the policy in place,” said Councillor Flynn.
The Independent councillor said he hopes more information about applicants seeking social housing can be provided on the breakdown of single people, single people with families, couples with families, the elderly and people with special needs.
“Housing is such an important issue for elected members to have adequate information so when a new scheme is going up in their area they should know what the contents should be based on available statistics.”
A comprehensive reply was provided by senior executive officer, Siobhán McNulty.
The number of applications received and approved by the housing section grew from 732 in 2019 to 771 in 2020 and 834 in 2021.
This includes applicants who are or were subsequently housed in accommodation provided by the Approved Housing Body sector or in private rented accommodation with financial support.
The number of tenancies allocated and signed up by the housing section fell from 198 in 2019 to 176 in 2020 and 183 in 2021.
These figures included all Clare County Council social housing tenancies created including leased properties.
It does not include tenancies with Approved Housing Bodies or those whose housing need was met through HAP/RAS or other means.
Of the 45 home loan applications received in 2021, 33 were approved, and 11 were drawn down.
Last year, 38 loan applications were received, 21 were approved and 22 were drawn down. In 2019, 49 applications were received, 28 were approved and 27 were drawn down.
In 2019, 325 applicants were removed from the housing support list following a review process. A year later, 134 were removed and last year 359 were taken off the list.
Councillor Flynn said applicants are taken off the list if they don’t respond to a council letter asking them if they still need housing support.
