Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
24. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm the new HAP rates, the new uplifts and the new homeless HAP rates given his recent announcement to raise the rates by 35%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32942/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views in relation to the recent changes to homeless housing assistance payment rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied with the level of housing assistance payments given the findings of the latest EU survey on income and living conditions on household poverty among those dependent on housing supports. [24511/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 85 and 211 together.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme plays a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of 2021, over 100,000 HAP tenancies had been set-up since the scheme commenced, of which there were more than 61,900 households actively in receipt of HAP support.
Local authorities have discretion, because of local rental market conditions, to exceed the maximum rent limit by up to 20%, or up to 50% in the Dublin region for those households either in, or at immediate risk of homelessness. It is a matter for each local authority to determine whether the application of a discretionary increase is warranted, and the level of such an increase, on a case-by-case basis.
Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked to undertake an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of the 20% discretion available to local authorities under the HAP scheme is required, in order to maintain adequate levels of HAP support.
Following this analysis, I am working with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide for an increase in the HAP discretion rate to 35% and, for new tenancies, to expand the couple’s rate to single persons where required. Further details will be available when the engagement process is complete. These changes will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness.
