The Chair of Clare’s Housing Committee says it’s vital that the county’s elected representatives can have an input to enhance Clare’s social housing system.
It comes as calls have been made for a major review of the allocation system to be carried out in Clare, with hope expressed that it can be the guinea pig for an even larger nationwide review.
Independent Sixmilebridge Councillor PJ Ryan tabled a motion calling for a review of the social housing allocation system to be carried out in Clare, amid some confusion among members of the public.
According to Cllr Ryan, and several other councillors who contributed to the debate, many people are confused about issues such as who is entitled to a house, what criteria is used and the length of time it takes to get a house.
Cllr Ryan says the sheer number of people approaching him and his council colleagues is proof alone of how badly a review is needed.
In response, Clare County Council says a review is scheduled to be carried out with a draft of that to be presented to the Housing Committee by mid-2020.
However, Cllr Ryan would like to see a wider review carried out that would begin in Clare and be rolled out across the country.
Chair of the county’s Housing Committee, Independent Shannon Councillor Gerry Flynn has welcomed the motion and says it’s important to carry out such an exercise to allow elected representatives an input on social housing policy.
Cllr Flynn says reaching data protection targets has limited how much councillors can help their constituents.
