Explanatory Memorandum

Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010

2010 CHAPTER 9

13 April 2010

Commentary on Sections

Section 3: Eligibility for housing assistance

Section 3 substitutes the words “a person” for “an applicant” in Article 7A(5) of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 to make it clear that the power to determine that a person is ineligible for re-housing under the homelessness legislation by virtue of Article 7A(5) (which allows the Housing Executive to treat persons as ineligible if they have been guilty of unacceptable behaviour) applies both before a decision under Article 7 has been taken and after such a decision has been taken. Section 3 also requires the Housing Executive to notify a person who is found to be ineligible of the decision and the reason(s) for the decision.