Simon Charities calls for six-month limit on families in emergency accommodation

'HAP base rates must be uplifted to reflect current market rents,' the charity has told the Department of Housing in its submission to the Government

The charity has said that, alongside limiting the time allowed in emergency accommodation, there should be regulations introduced over the type of accommodation families are placed in. Picture: Stock

A statutory six-month limit on the time families can spend in emergency accommodation should be introduced, the Government has been told.

The Simon Charities of Ireland has called on the Government to change how emergency accommodation is used, saying children should spend “minimal” time in shelters and hotel rooms.

In a submission to the Department of Housing, the charity has said that, alongside limiting the time allowed in emergency accommodation, there should be regulations introduced over the type of accommodation families are placed in.

It cites laws in England which place a legal obligation on councils to ensure that any emergency accommodation for homeless people is “suitable”.

The proposal from the Simon Communities comes as the Government prepares its action plan on child and family homelessness in the wake of the latest figures showing 17,308 people were homeless at the end of February.

The submission also calls for people experiencing homelessness to get access to specific health and support services. It also says the Government should introduce reforms to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), turning it into a short- to medium-term assistance for families on social housing waiting lists.

Reflect market rates

HAP allows people to source private rented accommodation and their local council then pays their rent, with the tenant paying a contribution back to the council.

The charity has called for an uplift in the HAP rates to reflect the rise in market rents over recent years.

“HAP base rates must be uplifted to reflect current market rents. This must happen in parallel with an outright ban on landlords demanding or expecting top-ups paid separately by tenants and with increased inspections on rental standards,” the Simon Communities submission reads.

In February, the charity found there were no houses available to rent within HAP limits in 16 areas surveyed.

The Government is reviewing the existing HAP limits, with indications it is likely to be raised in October’s budget.

The charity is also calling for children experiencing or at risk of homelessness to be provided with a childcare worker if they require one.

Homelessness data

Proposals from the Simon Communities come as the number of homeless people in Ireland hit a record last Friday, with 17,308 people living in emergency accommodation.

The Department of Housing confirmed there were 11,851 adults and 5,457 children living in emergency accommodation in February.

This was an increase on the 17,112 who were homeless in January.

The charity has asked the Government to introduce enhanced homelessness data collection and reporting procedures by local authorities.

“Accurate data is essential to responding effectively to the homelessness crisis, as it can give an indication as to what interventions are working and where further support is needed,” the charity’s submission said.

“The current homeless figures only capture those accessing State funded emergency accommodation.”

The submission says there are “thousands more” people experiencing hidden homelessness.