Why are waiting lists getting longer?

Demand for social housing continues to increase, with the number of applicants on the waiting list increasing from 36,350 in 2006 to 38,923 in 2008.  

Similarly the number of applicants considered to be in housing stress (assessed as having 30 points or more under the Common Selection Scheme) has continued to increase from 19,801in 2007 to 20,481 at 31 March 2008.

Who's on the list?

Approximately half of the applicants on the overall waiting list are currently owner occupiers or renting privately.  

Our analysis confirms that the waiting list continues to have a high proportion of single people, but there is also a substantial number of elderly applicants and small families.  

Applicants are assessed under a Common Selection Scheme introduced in November 2000.  

The Scheme represents a single gateway into social housing in Northern Ireland regardless of whether the applicants wish to be considered for Housing Executive or housing association accommodation, or both.