Residents of social housing feel stigmatised as 'scroungers and drug addicts'

A report has shown that some residents in social housing estates feel they are stigmatised and are viewed as “all scroungers and drug addicts” who live “rent free”.

The report, ‘Changing Perceptions: Stigma and Social Housing in Ireland’, was carried out on behalf of Clúid Housing by Anna Carnegie, Michael Byrnen and Michelle Norris of the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin.

The report states: “In many residents’ opinions the general public characterises them as work-shy, exploiting the benefits system and that they live “rent free” or in “free houses”.”