Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
80. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine the serious delays in the processing and approval of housing adaptation grants; and the details of what measures if any can be taken to speed up the process. [4387/24]
View answerMy Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People.
The Exchequer funding provision for 2024 has been increased by €8 million to a total of €74.5 million with an aim of delivering over 13,000 grants when combined with the local authority contribution. When including the 20% local authority contribution it will provide for a total of over €93 million for the scheme. This funding has increased year on year since 2014.
The detailed administration of these schemes including assessment, approval, prioritisation and apportionment between the three schemes is the responsibility of local authorities. My Department engages regularly with local authorities particularly supporting the effective and efficient administration of the scheme to ensure that all applications are dealt with in accordance with Departmental guidelines.
My Department developed a new recoupment claim form which was implemented by local authorities on a phased basis throughout 2022. The new form captures data on the date a valid application is received, approved and paid by a local authority. This will assist in improved understanding of the average length of time that it takes local authorities to approve valid applications and issue grant payments.
Arising from a commitment in Housing for All, my Department conducted a review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and subsequently prepared a report. On foot of my consideration of the Review report, my Department shared the report and supplementary analysis with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and is engaging with that Department on the recommendations in the report with a view to bringing forward amendments to the relevant Regulations governing the schemes.
