Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
254. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities have the discretion to allocate a fixed price for the replacement of windows or doors under the housing aid grant; if this figure is set by his Department given that the total figure for a grant is €8,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27585/21]
View answerLocal authorities are responsible for the detailed administration of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme, including the assessment, approval and payment of grants to applicants under the various measures.
Guidance issued by my Department recommends local authorities assemble a schedule of standard costs for each element of works available for funding under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, including the replacement of windows and doors. It is also recommended that local authorities should review their schedule of standardised cost on a twice yearly basis using the services of a Quantity Surveyor. The standardisation of costs is intended to improve consistency and have a cost stabilisation effect on grant levels in each local authority area. Recognising however that homes differ local authorities can, up to the €8,000 overall grant cap, approve a grant in excess of their own standard costings if the local authority feels a higher cost is justified.
