Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to announce changes to the household income eligibility for local authority housing before 15 July 2022 given the urgent need to do so; when these eligibility thresholds were last set; the reason for the delay in changing them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35159/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications 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. Introduced in 2011, 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.
