Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2018
79. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to raise the income thresholds for eligibility for social housing; his further plans to review the way in which these thresholds are being implemented in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4420/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 prescribe maximum net income limits for eligibility for social housing support for each local authority, in different bands according to the area, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy, published by my Department.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band are based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. The limits also reflect a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn and thereby promote sustainable communities.
As part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports has commenced. I expect the results of this review to be available for publication later this year.
