Firm Mayo 'homeless' signal issued over anti-social breaches
"Where you're out, you're out"
PEOPLE who make themselves homeless by amassing convictions or non-payment of rent should not have to be rehomed by Mayo County Council.
That was the view expressed at a housing committee meeting during a brief discussion on a draft anti-social behaviour policy, adoption of which has been deferred until February.
Councillor Peter Flynn asked management if someone makes themselves voluntarily homeless by way of conviction, for example drugs or a sexual offence, anti-social behaviour or not paying rent, does the council have an obligation to rehome them.
In his view they should not be considered for future housing or as a homeless individual.
Once upon a time you couldn't go back into the system again when removed from a house, and he asked if it has changed so there's a 'revolving door system no matter what you do'.
He was told that anyone who presents as homeless is entitled to be assessed. They are dealt with on a case by case basis.
Sometimes there are reasons why people have ended up outside their tenancies. Some may need more wraparound supports, and all are assessed to determine if they fall within the definition of homeless.
It depends on the case and some people do end up back in the system. With convictions, there is scope that people can be suspended from supports for a period of time.
Councillor Flynn said it needs to be copperfastened in the policy. It's only a 'tiny cohort' who cause trouble, but they can't have a revolving door system.
“People need to know that when you are out you are out.”
Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said he understood you can ban someone from being on the housing list for five years but if they are homeless you have to give them accommodation.
And the prison service, he understood, is regularly on to all the local authorities to say who they're releasing and they'll be coming in for accommodation.
He was aware people can go in and present to the local authority office and get back on the housing list. And he highlighted one example where a person was housed and the neighbours around them were not aware that they had a conviction for abuse of children.
Councillor Kilcoyne also questioned the exclusion of tenants for whom the council pays HAP and RAS in the policy. They should be included in it.
Housing director Tom Gilligan advised: “Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.”
They were trying to find the perfect solution but probably won't be able to find it.
Councillor Flynn said they wanted to send a message. And if it wasn't bullet proof, the courts could decide.
*Published under the Local Democracy Housing Scheme.