Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
196. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities use nationally standardised figures for quotes on costs of grant works; and if so, the figures in this regard. [34330/21]
View answerLocal authorities are responsible for the detailed administration of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme for private houses, including the assessment, approval and payment of grants to applicants under the various measures.
Guidance issued by my Department recommends that local authorities assemble a schedule of standard costs for each element of works available for funding under the scheme, which accurately reflects the market costs within the local authority area. 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 individual homes may differ local authorities can, up to the maximum grant caps, approve a grant in excess of their own standard costings if the local authority feels a higher cost is justified.
