The Housing Selection Scheme Consultation Paper - Northern ...

Rural Proofing
Rural proofing is a commitment by Government to ensure that policies take
account of rural circumstances and needs. An initial screening of the proposed
changes to the Housing Selection Scheme has been undertaken to consider rural
issues. The following issues have been identified relevant to rural areas:
1. It is probable that relocating households to smaller housing will be harder in
rural areas because of the housing stock and the distances involved.
Research undertaken by the University of Cambridge in England shows that
under-occupation is more common in rural than in urban areas. Contributory
factors include the lower level of smaller properties in rural areas and an older
rural demographic. An examination of similar issues here is currently ongoing
but indications are that a similar situation exists in Northern Ireland.
2. While infrastructure varies in rural areas it is generally weaker, in terms of
both information technology and physical networks. This could create
particular issues in ensuring that information on the proposed amendments is
accessible for rural dwellers.
In relation to 1, the proposed changes are primarily designed to address issues
and where possible alleviate problems arising from Welfare Reform. While the
out-workings of Welfare Reform arising from Housing Benefit size criteria may
have a differential impact in rural areas, when the proposed HSS changes apply,
they will provide similar mitigation in both urban and rural areas. The specific
changes proposed to the Housing Selection Scheme have a general applicability
(i.e. there is no difference in their application depending on where you live) and
as such do not have any bias towards or against rural areas.
In relation to 2, we acknowledge the importance of accessible information and in
this context, need to ensure that those affected by shortfalls in housing benefit
are aware of the implications; this applies both to existing tenants and to those
applying for or taking up tenancies. As proposed communication involves direct
contact with those affected either by letter or - when signing up for tenancies -
face-to face interviews, this will ensure that those affected in rural areas are
aware of the implications involved.
In effect therefore, from the examination to date, the proposed changes to the
Housing Selection Scheme do not appear to have any potential for an adverse
differential impact on rural areas.
Consultation Question 13
Do you have any evidence to suggest that the proposals within this paper would
create any adverse differential impact on rural areas?
Proposals for Changes to the Housing Selection Scheme 18