Victims of domestic violence to be allowed to transfer wait times on social housing lists

A new Government protocol is set to be introduced to allow domestic violence victims greater flexibility when it comes to social housing waiting lists.

The new protocol aims to allow victims of domestic, sexual, and gender based violence to transfer their time on the social housing waiting list between different local authorities.

The protocol is a direct action under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 and was formulated through consultations with Cuan and Local Authorities.

The Government say implementation will take effect immediately, with support and information provided to local authority staff and Cuan-funded service providers.

There will be data returns to the responsible government department to establish the uptake and its impact as it becomes embedded in the housing allocation process.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said: “Supporting households experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic abuse, is a key priority for me. There should never be any barrier to a household fleeing domestic violence from receiving proper social housing and getting the security and stability they need.

“That is why I am introducing a new protocol to provide that victims and survivors of domestic violence, who meet all other social housing eligibility requirements, can transfer previous time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority.

“This allows individuals and families who may need to relocate to another part of the country to do so without being penalised. It provides for greater empathy and flexibility in the delivery of social housing that victims and survivors of domestic violence deserve.”