asked the Minister for Local Government if, in respect of the assessment of income of persons other than farmers for the higher rate of housing grants, the £25 valuation has been equated to £700 annual income, £40 valuation to £750 annual income and £60 valuation to £900 annual income and if he will state (a) under what statutory authority or regulation this arrangement was arrived at and (b) why the standard method of a fixed figure, for example £20 per £1 valuation, has been departed from.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Grants.
141.
No income limits corresponding to the valuation limits applicable to farmers have been prescribed in respect of the special rate of grant which may be made under section 16 (2) (b) of the Housing Act, 1966, to persons who do not derive their livelihood solely or mainly from the pursuit of agriculture. To qualify for such a grant, it is a statutory requirement that the circumstances of the person or occupier are such that he could not provide a house for his own occupation without the aid of a grant at the special rate. In order to establish the circumstances of an applicant, the local authority assesses his income and, based on their assessment, the Minister determines the eligibility of the applicant on income grounds.
It is the general practice to assess the income of farmers on the basis of £20 per £1 land valuation, for the purposes of grants. It is felt, however, that it would be inappropriate to apply this formula to determine the amount of grant payable to a person who does not derive his livelihood solely or mainly from the pursuit of agriculture. Each such case has to be decided on an ad hoc basis having regard to all the relevant circumstances and, in particular, the statutory criterion that an applicant, other than a farmer, could not provide a house for his own occupation without the aid of a grant under section 16.
May I ask the Minister if I am correct in believing that there is an upper limit to those grants of £900, an income ceiling of £900?
As regards the manner in which these grants are decided and the level of income which determines whether a grant is payable or not, it has not been the practice to disclose the method of assessment and in view of that I do not propose to disclose it here and now.
Why not?
That has been the practice. I would like to tell the House that I am having this matter considered, that is, whether or not it would be proper to give information on these income limits and have them made known publicly.
I have come across cases——
Until I make a decision I do not intend stating what the income levels are.
I have come across cases where the ceiling has been put at £900 and I fail to understand how a man with only slightly over £900 income could be expected to build a house even with the aid of a grant.
That is the position at the moment in regard to this special grant.