Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
535. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if social housing income thresholds in County Kerry will be immediately increased to help families that are struggling with huge rent increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra610. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on revising and reforming income eligibility for social housing under Housing for All. [43323/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 535 and 610 together.
Housing for All 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 and I have recently approved implementation of its recommendations.
To this end, I have approved proposals to scope and develop options for a revised or new social housing income eligibility model. The exercise will assess the suitability or otherwise of the current model having regard to the significantly changed landscape since it was introduced, and make recommendations for a model that might more appropriately reflect current needs. The exercise will be managed by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department. A Terms of Reference is being finalised and I expect a Request for Tender to secure the necessary expertise for this work to issue shortly.
Pending completion of this work later this year, I have also approved changes to the social housing income eligibility bands. Five local authorities - Carlow, Clare, Galway County, Laois and Westmeath - will be moved from Band 3 to Band 2. Accordingly, the baseline income eligibility threshold for these areas will increase from €25,000 to €30,000. The change reflects the movement in rents in recent years and will ensure local authority areas with similar accommodation costs continue to be grouped together in the respective bands. The changes will come into effect from 1 October 2022.
I will publish the final review in due course.
