Derry MLA welcomes progress on housing points but calls for further protections for victims of abuse

Communities minister Gordon Lyons has announced the removal of intimidation points from the Housing Selection Scheme operated by the NIHE in a bid to ‘level the playing field for victims of violence’.

In a statement to the Assembly today, Minister Lyons said the move would support the Executive’s work in tackling Violence Against Women and Girls by focussing on how violence, or the threat of violence, affects victims and their ability to remain in their home. The removal of intimidation points means all victims will now be able to access the same categories of points.

He said: “It has long been a source of frustration to me, along with many others in the chamber, that the Selection Scheme treats victims of violence differently, based on the cause of that violence. Currently, a victim of terrorism receives a greater award of points than a victim of domestic abuse. Someone targeted because of their ethnic identity receives more points than someone targeted because of their gender.

“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.”

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Minister Lyons added that although intimidation points, in the form of Rule 23 of the Selection Scheme, will be removed and the allocation of 200 points will cease, transitional protection will be applied. Applicants already awarded these points will retain them.

He said: “In addition, applicants who have alleged intimidation and whose circumstances are being considered under Rule 23, prior to its removal, will be investigated in line with existing policies and procedures. Where their circumstances meet Rule 23 criteria, they will be awarded 200 points.

“Applicants who have experienced violence or abuse, or who are at risk of violence or abuse, whatever the motivation or perpetrator, will continue to be assessed and provided with emergency assistance under the homelessness legislation.

“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.”

The Housing Executive will aim to remove Rule 23 by the end of this financial year.

Welcoming the news SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said that efforts to implement a fundamental review of the allocation of social housing points was much needed. However, he said that further clarity is needed as to what these changes will mean for victims of domestic abuse.

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Speaking following a statement from the Communities Minister on the removal of intimidation points, the Foyle MLA said: “I welcome the ongoing efforts to amend a housing allocation scheme that is abusing many people and is being abused by some.

“It’s shameful and sad, that it is the victims of domestic abuse who have to uproot their lives and have their homes and it’s appropriate that they should be served equally by the system as other victims of threat, fear and abuse. However, I have concerns about what the complete removal of intimidation points will mean for all victims of violence.

"The previous Communities Minister made a commitment not to remove these points entirely recognising the findings of a previous judicial review in which it was found that the failure to award intimidation points, was a failure to protect some applicants from ‘serious and imminent threats.’ I’m not sure what has changed within the department to warrant a U-turn from Minister Lyons.

“The review of primary social needs points is welcome but I’m conscious that this framework already offers points to victims of abuse, albeit with very limited scope. I hope to see the criteria expanded and current points cap reviewed to ensure proper provision for all victims of abuse - whether domestic, paramilitary, or racial.

"Their safety depends on tailored protections that prioritise their urgent need for a safe place to call home. What exactly this review will deliver remains to be seen.”