Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
655. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 686 of 26 July 2022, if he will review the stipulation that any assessment or review of a previous social housing support assessment is based on the applicant’s net average income for the twelve months prior to the application or the review (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43870/22]
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 the Household Means Policy.
Applications for housing support can be submitted to a local authority for assessment at any time. Similarly, a person previously deemed not to qualify for support may reapply at any time. A local authority may also review an assessment, at its discretion, if it becomes aware of a change in the applicant’s household circumstances.
Any assessment, or review of a previous assessment, is based on the applicant's net average income for the 12 months prior to application or the review. An applicant whose household income is below the relevant income threshold may qualify for support. The underpinning legislation affords local authorities no discretion to exceed the thresholds for their areas.
The income eligibility requirements reflect the long-term nature of social housing support. Reviewing income over 12 months provides a truer picture of long-term need. It is an objectively fairer approach than assessing such need against more recent changes in circumstances. It also helps ensure limited resources can be provided to those who need them most.
While an applicant, previously deemed not to qualify for support, may reapply at any stage, dramatically changed circumstances in the short-term does not guarantee they will qualify when reassessed. Such changes may be too recent to bring their income below the income threshold. That said, an applicant may be able to show long-term need if the dramatically changed circumstances persist, and qualify for support should their net average income for the previous 12 months fall below the relevant income eligibility threshold.
Rent Supplement may be available for persons in the private rented sector who have experienced recent changes in household circumstances and require shorter-term rent support.
The Household Means Policy is designed to be consistent with the key principle of social housing as a support to meet identified long-term accommodation needs.
