Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 November 2022
234. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for local authority housing in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be increased, given present limits are unrealistic and deny many low-income families the opportunity to apply for social housing; if these income limits will be increased without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am currently considering potential changes to the social housing income eligibility model.
In the meantime, I have approved proposals to scope and develop options for a new income eligibility model. This work will commence shortly under the aegis of the Housing Agency who have been tasked with commissioning it and I expect that the work will complete by end Q4 2022.
I have also recently approved changes to the social housing income eligibility bands. Five local authorities - Carlow, Clare, Galway County, Laois and Westmeath - have moved from Band 3 to Band 2. Accordingly, the baseline income threshold for these areas has increased from €25,000 to €30,000. The change reflects the movement in rents in recent years in these areas and will ensure local authority areas with similar accommodation costs continue to be grouped together in the respective bands. The changes came into effect from 1 October 2022.
