Housing Policy

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Questions (469)

Seán Crowe

Question:

469. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that local authorities are stalling applications to the social housing list by homeless individuals if they cannot provide a utility bill in their name or a sworn affidavit by people who are allowing them to couch surf, though this might include tenants in social housing who may be reluctant to provide such an affidavit for fear of being found in breach of their own tenancy agreement; if he agrees that these are bureaucratic barriers unsuitable for homeless individuals; if a new, more suitable set of application criteria can be formulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56822/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.

The requirements in relation to the documentation required to support an application is set out in the “Checklist for Applicants” on the prescribed social housing application form. This checklist sets out the documentary evidence required for proof of current address, which includes, utility bill, lease or rental statement, where applicable.

As specified on the application form, in cases where a particular document cannot be provided, the local authority may, at its discretion, request alternative documentation to satisfy itself in relation to the specific information being sought.

Ultimately, it is a matter for the local authority to determine what information is required in individual cases. My Department would expect that any information sought by a local authority in this regard would be appropriate, having regard to the circumstances of the household concerned.

Decisions on the qualification of households for social housing support, the most appropriate form of such support, and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.