Intimidation points to be removed from housing selection scheme in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), which operates the selection scheme, aims to remove the rule, called Rule 23, by the end of this financial year. 

Mr Lyons said: “Going forward, the points for violence or threat of violence within the scheme will not exclude any victims of abuse, violence or trauma.

“Regardless of causation, victims will be assessed using the same criteria within the housing selection scheme operated by the NIHE.

“It is an important step forward that all victims of violence, harassment or trauma for any reason – including victims of domestic abuse – will be able to access the same categories of points within the scheme for violence or the threat of violence.”

Mr Lyons added that although intimidation points will be removed, transitional protection will be applied.

Applicants already awarded these points will retain them.

“The removal of intimidation points will not alter the Housing Executive’s duty to support those who need such emergency assistance and who find themselves unable to remain in their home,” Mr Lyons said. 

Grainia Long, chief executive of the NIHE, welcomed the move. 

“We believe it will enable more appropriate ranking and allocation of social housing for those experiencing violence or risk of violence or domestic abuse – whatever the circumstances,” she said. 

The Housing Executive will now work with government to implement the necessary changes. 

Ms Long added: “We would like to reassure applicants who have experienced actual violence or abuse or are at risk of violence or abuse, that they will continue to be assessed and provided with assistance under the housing selection scheme and homelessness legislation.”

The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) also welcomed the news.

The group, which represents housing associations in Northern Ireland, highlighted recent research that it commissioned, undertaken by Queen’s University Belfast, which highlights the challenges posed by the current system.

The report looks at the allocation of points for cases of intimidation, particularly those linked to paramilitary groups, and how this negatively affects the fair distribution of housing.

The university’s study found that the current system, while well-intentioned in its aim to protect individuals from threats, has inadvertently impacted the allocation of housing based on need.

Researchers found that the system skewed resources towards addressing intimidation cases, often at the expense of individuals facing other urgent housing needs, such as those related to disability, homelessness or domestic abuse, noting that it “has meant that some at-risk individuals are marginalised by a system that appears to be much more responsive to threat than need”.

Seamus Leheny, chief executive of NIFHA, said: “The minister’s decision to remove intimidation points represents a significant and positive change for social housing in Northern Ireland. 

“We fully support this move, as it addresses systemic issues that have hindered the fair and needs-based allocation of housing for far too long.

“The findings of the Queen’s research clearly highlight how the overemphasis on intimidation cases, particularly linked to paramilitary activity, has contributed to inefficiencies and perceptions of unfairness in the system.”

He added that NIFHA is “encouraged that the minister’s decision reflects these realities and this decision will support the development of successful, shared communities”. 

“This policy change is a critical first step, but we must also take a holistic approach to address the broader challenges outlined in the Queen’s report. 

“By focusing on fairness and transparency, we can create a social housing system that works better for everyone,” Mr Leheny said.

Justin Cartwright, national director of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland, said the decision is a “significant step towards a more equitable and just housing system”.

“We have long campaigned for the removal of these points, recognising that the current system has placed an undue emphasis on certain forms of violence, such as those with sectarian or racist motivations, while overlooking the devastating impact of other forms of violence, including domestic abuse. 

“This created an unacceptable hierarchy of violence,” he said.

He said the disparity in the current system is “not only unjust but also potentially open to abuse”.

Mr Cartwright added that the move “aligns with the principles of fairness and equality that should underpin all housing allocation decisions”.

Nicola McCrudden, chief executive of Homeless Connect, said that while the number of intimidation cases reported to the Housing Executive has been falling in recent years, “it is a tragic reality that people are still being forced to leave their homes through acts of intimidation”. 

“It is appropriate for the social housing selection scheme to consider the impact of intimidation when prioritising allocations. However, the current system is not fully inclusive and, for example, fails to account for the impact of domestic abuse or human trafficking situations,” she said.

Ms McCrudden said it has been Homeless Connect’s view for “some time” that reform of the system is needed. 

The charity has been part of a group considering the fundamental review of housing allocations and took part in research relating to intimidation points, “where there was a general consensus around removal of the points”. 

However, Ms McCrudden added: “We are mindful that any change to the housing selection scheme will have knock-on effects elsewhere in the system. 

“With the removal of intimidation points, care will be needed to ensure that homelessness caused by violence or threats of violence is properly acknowledged within the allocations system. 

“Homeless Connect will be bringing the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness to the fore in consideration of the next steps in this area. 

“We look forward to engaging with the department and the Housing Executive as they go forward in this process of reform.”