Approach to homelessness draws ire from councillors

JOINT investigations carried out by the Housing Executive (NIHE) and PSNI in Omagh have resulted in 11 ‘rough sleepers’ being declared as not fitting within the Housing Executive’s ‘homeless criteria’, and consequently being stripped of access to temporary accommodation.

The Housing Executive (NIHE) told Fermanagh and Omagh District Council that following public reports of an increase in the number of people presenting as homeless in Omagh town centre, temporary accommodation arrangements were made for 11 people in Omagh.

However, NIHE said that following a ‘multi-agency’ approach, which included meetings with local councillors, churches and charities, as well as interviews, carried out jointly with PSNI, with some of the individuals concerned, it was established that none of them met the criteria for NIHE’s Homelessness Policy, and only one was given temporary accommodation under a separate legal mechanism known as a Memorandum of Understanding.

NIHE explained to the council that the reason none of the 11 were treated as ‘homeless’ was because they were found to have ‘pre-settled status’ in accordance with an EU settlement scheme.

And when asked to apply for benefits they declined to do so, and consequently, all temporary accommodations, bar one, were brought to an end.

In the letter to council, NIHE said, “We understand that a number of the individuals have returned to mainland Europe and others are intending to do so in the near future.

“Currently there have been
no further reports of rough sleeping or begging in the Omagh area.

“During our investigations… all persons were provided with advice and assistance was available to tem by the Home Office and the Romanian Embassy.”

criticism

However, the approach taken by NIHE and PSNI, as outlined by both in their respective letters to the council, drew sharp criticism from the chamber.

Cllr Emmet McAleer, said, “Vulnerable people need more support than ever, not to be vilified and persecuted.”

He also spoke damningly of the PSNI approach.

He highlighted that migrants are “vulnerable to racism and xenophobia.”

Cllr McAleer concluded that the PSNI’s communication to council, which outlined an approach fixated on warnings, arrests and even deportation, was “demonstrative of their hostility.”

A spokesperson for NIHE told the UH, “We are aware of a group of people engaged in street activity in the Omagh area recently and we have been involved in providing temporary accommodation for this group at various locations across Northern Ireland over a number of months.

“It should be noted that street activity can manifest itself in a number of ways, for example, begging or street drinking.

“Our staff work collaboratively with other agencies and charities to provide support to those experiencing homelessness.

“Regardless of social background, we have a duty to provide temporary accommodation for anyone in Northern Ireland who is found to meet the statutory homeless tests.

“If anyone has any concerns about a person experiencing homelessness they can contact our local office for advice and support.”