An investigation by the Ombudsman has found inconsistencies in how the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is operated by local authorities, delays in some applications being processed, and inequities between how HAP tenants and social housing tenants are treated.

The Ombudsman Ger Deering (left) who recently published a report of his findings, acknowledged that while the scheme works well for many people, has issued several recommendations to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

These recommendations aim to address certain issues with the administration of the scheme, and he said he will now follow up with the Department and will also seek progress updates on their implementation.

According to Deering, HAP provides vital support for people to access private rented accommodation, but noted that some people are being disadvantaged by the current system.

“The recommendations in my report are designed to bring positive changes to the lives of those who are seeking homes for themselves and their families and will help ensure the administration of the HAP scheme is more customer focused,” he added.

The Ombudsman’s report identified several issues with the scheme including:

• A significant amount of duplication between the application process for social housing support and the application process for HAP, with much of the same documentation needed to apply for both. A separate application must be made for each scheme even though approval for social housing support automatically entitles a household to HAP.
• Due to delays in processing some applications for HAP, there can be a significant difference between the date the application is made, and the date it is validated, and payment starts. In the meantime, the applicant may have lost out on the property due to the delay. The Ombudsman said that where an applicant has been approved for social housing support they should be entitled to payment from the date their tenancy starts.
• Applicants are not always given clear information about the different aspects of the HAP scheme including the amount of rent the tenant will pay and the discretionary increase that may be available.

HAP is made directly to a landlord on behalf of a household, deemed in need of social housing support. The maximum HAP that can be paid (HAP cap) varies depending on the size of the household and the local authority area involved.

Local authorities have discretion to increase the payment by up to 35% in certain circumstances. However, due to rising rent costs, for many people, HAP no longer covers the cost of renting, and most households in the scheme must pay the landlord the difference between the HAP cap and the actual cost of renting, in addition to paying rent to the local authority.

A summary of the Ombudsman’s report including his findings and recommendations is available at www.ombudsman.ie.