Navigating the social or local authority housing system in Ireland is a complex and often overwhelming process, especially for individuals who have been historically marginalised. In the course of Sage Advocacy’s work with survivors of Industrial Schools and/or Reformatories, access to appropriate housing has been identified as a core element of social inclusion and meaningful support. The housing system involves multiple layers – local authorities, national policies, eligibility criteria, waiting lists, emergency responses and discretionary decision making – that can be difficult to deal with, without support. Sage Advocacy is working at a systemic level and seeks to achieve priority status for survivors on waiting lists.
The relevant primary legislative framework underpinning local authority ‘housing allocations’ is the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Acts 2009 and 2014, as well as the Minister for Housing’s statutory role in providing secondary legislation (via ministerial directives), the provision of which could directly impact survivors and their housing challenges. Additionally, each local authority is required to adopt their own individual ‘housing allocation scheme’ incorporating ‘priority of lettings’ categories.
Recognising the complex nature of the social housing system, Sage Advocacy has adopted a three-pronged strategy that includes raising these issues and suggesting practical solutions with the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as well as establishing dialogue with the City and County Managers Association (CCMA), which is the representative body of local authority Chief Executives. Additionally, Sage Advocacy is approaching several local authorities around the country requesting an opportunity to present this issue, on behalf of survivors, to elected councillors who have the final say on their own local authority’s ‘priority of lettings’.
There is a video webcast here which captures a recent discussion at the Central Area Committee of Dublin City Council (DCC) among councillors about whether to invite Sage Advocacy to speak formally to the Area Committee about the unique life experiences of survivors and the consequential housing challenges they are facing. It should be appreciated that councillors must consider many voices and priorities, and Sage Advocacy welcomes the invitation received to deliver a presentation to the Central Area Committee of DCC on Tuesday 10th June. This presentation will be webcast live (Central Area Committee) on DCC’s website. The meeting is due to start at 10am and the presentation from Sage Advocacy is item no.10 on the agenda.
