Social Housing Refusals In Kildare Surge: Figures Highlight Housing Challenges

Friday, 15 March 2024 09:34

By Martin Osborne

From January 2024 to the current date, 49 refusals have already been recorded.

There has been a year-on-year increase in the number of refusals of social housing offers in Kildare.

This year alone, 49 refusals have already been recorded.

The statistics, spanning from 2021 to January 2024, paint an upward trend.

In 2021, there were 210 refusals, while 2022 witnessed a slight uptick, with 234 refusals.

The most notable increase occurred in 2023, with a significant jump to 308 refusals.

From January 2024 to the current date, 49 refusals have already been recorded.

These figures highlight a growing trend of reluctance among residents to accept social housing offers, adding pressure to an already strained housing system.

Crucial insights into the broader housing landscape in Kildare are provided by the Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).

The latest available report, SSHA 2022, documented 3,008 households on Kildare's social housing list, indicating the scale of demand for affordable housing in the region.

However, the SSHA 2023 promises updated data to better understand the evolving housing needs of Kildare residents.

The SSHA does not include households benefiting from the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

Presently, Kildare supports 1,736 households through the HAP scheme.

Recent statistics provided to Kfm from Kildare County Council shed light on average waiting lists for those on the social housing list.

Among the supported households, a majority, totaling 1,908, have been waiting for housing solutions for 1 to 5 years, representing 64% of the total.

For 372 households, the wait stretches between 6 to 7 years, comprising 12% of the supported households.

The data reveals that 728 households, comprising 24% of supported households, have been waiting more than 7 years for permanent housing solutions.

In response to these challenges, Kildare County Council said it operates a Choice Based Letting Scheme, providing applicants with opportunities to express interest in available properties across different areas on a weekly basis.