Social and Affordable Housing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2018

Wednesday, 21 March 2018

Questions (335)

Peter Burke

Question:

335. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the income bands applicable to County Westmeath for social housing will be changed from band 3 to band 2 due to the crisis and escalating cost of living in the county; if the fact that counties such as Meath and Kildare are in band 1 due to their proximity to Dublin and in further view of the fact that County Westmeath borders these counties yet remains in band 3 will be considered; if a motion passed by Westmeath County Council to request that this band be changed has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13173/18]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 prescribe maximum net income limits for eligibility for social housing support for each local authority, in different bands according to the area, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy, published by my Department.

The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band are based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. The limits also reflect a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn and thereby promote sustainable communities.

As part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports has commenced. I expect the results of this review to be available for publication later this year.