Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
207. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when income eligibility limits for social housing will be increased in counties Cavan and Monaghan given existing limits are low at present and are unrealistic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29583/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the income eligibility limits for local authority housing in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be increased without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33488/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent, if any, to which it is expected to increase the income thresholds for qualification for eligibility for the local authority housing list having particular regard to the fact that the current income thresholds make it impossible for certain categories of persons to qualify for inclusion on local authority housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33523/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 230 and 232 together.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations.The regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were 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. A blanket increase of €5,000 was also introduced prior to the new system coming into operation.
Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing.
The review, which examined, inter alia, the efficiency of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, has been completed. I am currently considering its findings and expect to decide on proposed changes and recommendations shortly.
Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 59.
