Ombudsman raises concerns about housing list transparency

The Public Services Ombudsman has raised concerns about the complexity and transparency of Gibraltar’s social housing waiting lists.

Wendy Cumming says her office has identified as many as 16 different housing categories, making it difficult for applicants to understand where they stand or who should receive priority for the next available property.

She says the system should be simplified and the different categories made public.

Her report highlights the case of a terminally ill woman who spent years waiting for more suitable accommodation before eventually being offered another flat.

The Ombudsman says clearer rules and fewer categories could help prevent vulnerable applicants spending prolonged periods in unsuitable housing.

Housing has accepted in principle that the waiting lists should be streamlined.