Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
680. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has received recommendations following a review of the social housing income limits, and if so, when he intends to act on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40397/22]
View answer719. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has completed his review of the means test for social housing and the rent ceiling for HAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41000/22]
View answer769. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to change the income threshold for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41562/22]
View answer782. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the review on social housing income assessments [41612/22]
View answer797. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of the social housing income eligibility thresholds. [41632/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 680, 719, 769, 782 and 797 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 6 of 23 June 2022 which sets out the position in the matter in relation to income thresholds for social housing supports.
The Government recently approved an increase in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) discretion rate from 20% to 35% and extended the couple’s rate to single person households for new tenancies. Both measures came into effect from 11 July 2022.
The measures were taken on foot of research by the Housing Agency, on behalf of my Department, and considered the level of discretion required by Local Authorities under HAP to maintain adequate levels of support. They will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness.
