Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new income limits for social housing will become operational, given there is an urgent need to increase such thresholds in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently agreed to increase social housing income eligibility thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023.
The income eligibility bands, the respective thresholds, and the local authorities assigned to each band, were introduced in 2011. The thresholds were developed with reference to 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, at that time.
Notwithstanding an increase in the thresholds for a small number of local authorities in October 2022, the thresholds have remained unchanged since 2011. In the meantime, accommodation costs have increased significantly nationwide.
It is for this reason the thresholds will be increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively in the new year.
