Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024

Thursday, 15 February 2024

Questions (262)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if further consideration could be given to the plight of those who have failed to qualify for a local authority house on the basis of their income being too high and have failed to secure a loan from the local authority on the basis of their income being too low; if they might be reconsidered for a local authority house on the grounds that their situation is not improving with the passage of time; if he might indicate the total number of such applicants who have so failed to obtain a home; if they might separately be considered under a new scheme where they might qualify under a manageable heading of those who are currently facing rent increases which are already in the unmanageable bracket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7386/24]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department does not collect data as outlined in the Question. Following a review conducted by my Department in 2022, the Government agreed to my recommendation to increase the baseline social housing income thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities effective from 1 January 2023. The thresholds increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Notwithstanding these changes, my Department is awaiting detailed research examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and population conditions and the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since it was introduced. This has been commissioned by the Housing Agency and I understand this work is near completion.

When it is available, my Department will undertake a detailed examination of the report, including consultation with stakeholders. This detailed examination will look at, inter alia, how the social housing income limits system interacts with other housing supports and ensure that they continue to target households correctly. 

In relation to schemes available for people whose income exceeds the social housing income limits, Housing for All, the Government’s housing plan, puts affordability at the heart of the housing system. Housing for All aims to increase new housing supply, support home ownership, and increase affordability. It commits to the delivery of 54,000 affordable homes by 2030. The plan is available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/#view-the-plan, with updates to the plan available at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/35486-housing-for-all-update/

The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides a robust legislative basis for a range of affordability schemes that are now operational in line with Housing for All, and will increasingly provide a range of affordable options for eligible prospective homeowners. Delivery is being facilitated nationwide by local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Land Development Agency, and via the First Homes Scheme.

A list of affordable housing supports in place is available at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/