asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals, if any, he has decided to make to local authorities in connection with his recent statements regarding differential rents; and whether any proposals he may intend to make will be discussed by the Dáil before they are made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Differential Rents.
13.
In the general housing circular which was issued to housing authorities last May, it was emphasised that no applicant should be denied rehousing because of inability to pay rent. Because a substantial number of low income families are likely to require rehousing in the next phase of their housing programmes the authorities were asked to examine their current renting practices with a view to the adoption of a rational rent policy related to the standard of accommodation and amenity provided, and to the financial circumstances of the tenants.
A further circular letter is being issued to housing authorities this week notifying them of a substantial concession in the method of calculating subsidy. This concession will ensure that the local authority rather than the Exchequer will get the benefit of any extra revenue which may be derived from adjustments in the rents of older houses. The concession is being made subject to the condition that housing authorities, who have not already done so, will revise their rents generally so as to relate them to the ability of the tenant to pay, and to the standard of accommodation and amenity provided. The primary aim of such a revision will be to ensure that no family in need of rehousing will be denied accommodation because of inability to pay rent.
The recommendations which I am conveying to the authorities are based on principles and policies which have been brought before this House and discussed fully on a number of occasions particularly during the debates on the Housing Bill, 1965, and the debates on the Estimate for my Department for the present financial year.