Ms Ann-Marie O'Reilly:

On the issue of discrimination, although we only supported 11 households last year to take cases to the WRC, I have conducted a review of the number of tenants in the fourth quarter of 2019 who came to us to say they had difficulties accessing HAP because of a landlord's refusal. In approximately 90 of 350 cases reviewed, the tenant stated that had been an issue. However, as Mr. McCafferty stated, not every tenant will take a case in such circumstances. In some instances where we contacted the landlord or the agent and made them aware that they may not discriminate against a HAP tenant, the issue was resolved. Only 11 cases were taken to the WRC but that is just the tip of the iceberg. As Ms Stakem stated, it is the second most common complaint lodged to the WRC.

On the issue of a review of HAP, I understand the comments of Deputy Higgins. None of us wishes to wait for another few months for another review to be done. There is a significant amount of information available already. It would be worthwhile to speak to the other stakeholders. For example, one could speak to landlords to find out why they do not accept HAP. We need to find out what they are thinking and what their reasoning is. Many landlords will accept rent supplement but they will not accept HAP. We do not know why that is the case. There is a need to speak to the people working in local authority HAP offices. I have spoken to them, as have committee members who previously served as councillors. The staff of those offices encounter these issues and they see where the blocks and challenges are and why it takes so long to process payments. From what I understand, it is a very paper-intensive process. There are many things that probably could be freed up to make HAP work better. It certainly can be an effective support, but those who are a bit more vulnerable and really need the payment are sometimes badly let down.