Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
348. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the guidance and or grant aid rules that his Department issue to local authorities in respect of the way in which applications for adaptation grants for persons with a disability are reviewed; if he engages with local authorities regarding the scheme; and his views on whether the scheme is fit for purpose. [42305/21]
View answerHousing Circular 41 of 2019, issued 20 December 2019, provided local authorities with revised guidelines for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability scheme, in respect of private houses. This circular also included a revised single application form for use by all local authorities.
The new form and guidelines cover the operation of the three grant schemes available, namely the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, and came into effect from 1 February 2020.
The schemes are means tested and operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. Grant assistance is available to applicants whose household income, after disregards and deductions, does not exceed €60,000 per annum. Local authorities must adhere to the income thresholds set down by the regulations, so that the funding is focused on those households that need it most.
Local authorities, in administering the scheme, should always work with qualifying applicants to ensure they get the most beneficial outcome possible in line with their financial circumstances. Engagement with the Local Authorities throughout the year is on-going and my Department provides individual workshops to Local Authorities to offer advice and ensure the scheme is being administered optimally.
The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability make a very significant contribution to improving comfort levels within the home for older persons and persons with a disability and this in turn reduces the potential numbers requiring admittance to long term care facilities. In 2019, across all 31 local authorities areas, a total of 10,023 applicants benefited from assistance under the 3 grant schemes.
Funding of €75 million is available nationally in 2021 for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme. This funding has increased year on year since 2014. As detailed in Housing for All, housing policy objective 6 and 7 give a commitment to undertaking a review of the range of housing grants available to assist with meeting specific housing needs both for our ageing population and people with a disability.
