The research was conducted by Dr Brendan Sturgeon and Professor Dominic Bryan from Queen's, and commissioned by Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA). 

The study revealed that the current system, while well-intentioned in its aim to protect individuals from threats, has inadvertently impacted the allocation of housing based on need. The research found that the system skewed resources toward addressing intimidation cases, often at the expense of individuals facing other urgent housing needs, such as those related to disability, homelessness, or domestic abuse, noting that, “It has meant that some at-risk individuals are marginalised by a system that appears to be much more responsive to threat than need.’.

It also highlighted the practical difficulties Housing Associations face due to the system, including challenges in developing shared housing and balanced communities.

Dr Brendan Sturgeon, co-author on the report commented: “The report examines the challenges for registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland that are created by the points-based system used to allocate social housing. We specifically examined the ways in which the current system allocates points for intimidation – particularly for intimidation connected to paramilitary groups.

“We found that this intimidation has a significant and deleterious impact on the allocation of housing, the allocation of housing by need and the development of successful shared communities. Intimidation has had systematic and practical consequences for a process that now appears to be much more responsive to threat than need.”

The report identified potential solutions, including improved data sharing to prevent rehousing individuals close to areas where they experienced intimidation and a quota system to support balanced community development.

The research report is published as the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, today (Tuesday 29 January, 2025) announced the decision to remove the allocation of points for intimidation from the Housing Selection Scheme in Northern Ireland.

Seamus Leheny, Chief Executive of NIFHA said: “The Minister’s decision to remove intimidation points represents a significant and positive change for social housing in Northern Ireland. We fully support this move, as it addresses systemic issues that have hindered the fair and needs-based allocation of housing for far too long.

“The findings of the Queen’s research clearly highlight how the overemphasis on intimidation cases, particularly linked to paramilitary activity, has contributed to inefficiencies and perceptions of unfairness in the system. We are encouraged that the Minister’s decision reflects these realities and this decision will support the development of successful, shared communities.”

“This policy change is a critical first step, but we must also take a holistic approach to address the broader challenges outlined in the Queen’s report. By focusing on fairness and transparency, we can create a social housing system that works better for everyone.”

For more information on the full report, please visit: https://nifha.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Impact-of-Intimidation-paper-January-2025.pdf 

 

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