Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
518. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a council tenant in an AHB in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and a council tenant in a council home in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council can be paying different amounts in rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63757/22]
View answerThe majority of tenants in local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) dwellings pay a differential rent in accordance with the relevant local authority's differential rent scheme. However, in some circumstances, including in AHB dwellings funded through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), tenants will pay an economic rent rather than a differential rent.
CAS provides capital funding for housing accommodation for priority groups such as those experiencing homelessness, older people, and people with disabilities. There is a particular emphasis, though not exclusively, on moving those with a disability from a congregated setting into community-based living.
Generally, AHB's are required to set the economic rent at reasonable levels having regard to tenants’ incomes. However, in line with the funding model under the scheme, they must also take into account the cost of management, repairs and maintenance, including sinking fund, arrears, voids, insurance, and any relevant related borrowing costs. Different models may also be operated by AHBs, with varying levels of supports and services.
Accordingly, rents in CAS supported dwellings may be lower or higher than the respective differential rent for the local authority area depending on the level of supports and services provided, and the associated management costs. However, unlike households paying a differential rent, those paying an economic rent in CAS funded dwellings may also be eligible for rent supplement.
