The Housing Selection Scheme Consultation Paper - Northern ...

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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
Summary of Consultation Questions Consultation Question 1 Do you agree with the recommendation that the Age Criteria for Children sharing bedrooms should be amended as outlined in line with the proposed amendments to Housing Benefit Regulations? Consultation Question 2 Do you agree with the proposal to retain flexibility to make allocations to applicants who do not meet the minimum bedroom requirements in difficult-to-let areas or properties? Consultation Question 3 Do you agree with the proposal to continue to make allocations to certain applicants of one bedroom more than their minimum requirements to facilitate access to children? Consultation Question 4 Do you agree with the proposal to retain the flexibility to make allocations one bedroom in excess of an applicant’s minimum bedroom requirements for good housing management reasons as outlined? Consultation Question 5 Do you agree that Rule 29 should be amended to bring the age criteria for sharing bedrooms in line with the proposed Housing Benefit size restriction? Consultation Question 6 Do you agree with the proposal that tenants who are awarded a policy succession or policy assignment and are under-occupying their property should be advised of the potential impact on a housing benefit application and will be asked to make a financial declaration of responsibility for any shortfall in rent? Consultation Question 7 Do you agree with the proposal that the Housing Selection Scheme should relax the current transfer: applicant allocations ratio and include an additional priority Management Transfer category to address the needs of tenants who are under occupying and are seeking to move to a smaller more affordable home? Consultation Question 8 Do you agree with the proposal that the criteria for access to the transfer list and the discretion to withhold consent to a request for a Mutual Exchange should be amended in circumstances where the tenant is under occupying and impacted by the size restriction and seeks to move to smaller accommodation? Consultation Question 9 Do you agree with the proposal to allow tenant exchange across the UK? Proposals for Changes to the Housing Selection Scheme 19
Page 1 and 2: Consultation on Changes to the Hous
Page 3 and 4: Background The Housing Selection Sc
Page 5 and 6: Making best use of social housing s
Page 7 and 8: Key Proposals Ensuring New Tenants
Page 9 and 10: sex will be expected to share up to
Page 11 and 12: Overcrowding Rules The Housing Sele
Page 13 and 14: Many tenants will choose not to mov
Page 15 and 16: Mobility and Mutual Exchange Scheme
Page 17: Equality Section 75 of the Northern
Page 21 and 22: How to Respond We would welcome you

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