Intimidation victims will not receive priority housing points

Intimidation points will be removed from social housing applications to "level the playing field for victims of violence", the communities minister has said.

The NI Housing Executive (NIHE) awards these points to social housing applicants who are at serious risk and need immediate rehousing.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said victims of terrorism were currently awarded more points than victims of domestic abuse.

The Housing Executive will aim to remove intimidation points by the end of the financial year, in April.

When someone applies for social housing with the Housing Executive, their position on the waiting list is determined by the points they are awarded.

Points are awarded under four categories, depending on their housing needs.

For example, someone who is homeless can get 70 points. People who face intimidation can get 200 points.

"It has long been a source of frustration to me, along with many others in the chamber, that the selection scheme treats victims of violence differently, based on the cause of that violence," said Lyons.

"Someone targeted because of their ethnic identity receives more points than someone targeted because of their gender.

"Regardless of causation, victims will be assessed using the same criteria within the housing selection scheme operated by the NIHE."

Lyons said that although intimidation points would be removed, those already awarded these points would retain them.

"Applicants who have experienced violence or abuse, or who are at risk of violence or abuse, whatever the motivation or perpetrator, will continue to be assessed and provided with emergency assistance under the homelessness legislation," he added.

"The removal of intimidation points will not alter the Housing Executive's duty to support those who need such emergency assistance and who find themselves unable to remain in their home."

Grainia Long, chief executive of the Housing Executive, said the removal of the intimidation points was something they had recommended.

"We believe it will enable more appropriate ranking and allocation of social housing for those experiencing violence or risk of violence or domestic abuse - whatever the circumstances," she said.

"Removal of intimidation points will, therefore, offer more parity between victims of violence and abuse and those at risk of violence and abuse, regardless of the motivation or source."

Assembly member Gerry Carroll, from People Before Profit, said the blanket removal of intimidation points would put people's lives at risk.

"The solution is to extend eligibility to all victims of intimidation, including those impacted by domestic abuse," he said.

"People who have been intimidated or subject to sectarian, racist or homophobic attacks will lose out on the points they need to be allocated a new, permanent home in a place of safety."