Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
202. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that local authorities are removing the maximum rent cap for their housing at a time when the Government is trying to restrict cost increases for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are solely responsible under the Housing Acts for setting and collecting rent on their dwellings. The making and amending of local authority rent schemes is an executive function and, notwithstanding broad principles set out by my Department, including that rents charged should be income-based and reflect tenants’ ability to pay, I have no role in this regard.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved function of administering rent schemes. Accordingly, decisions on how rent charged is calculated and changes to the maximum rent chargeable are matters for individual local authorities in accordance with their respective rent schemes.
