Seán Sherlock
Ceist:259. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update under Housing for All to revise and reform income eligibility for social housing. [7121/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 February 2023
Ceisteanna (259)
Freagraí scríofa
A Review of Income Eligibility for Social Housing Support was carried out by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department in Q4 2021. A copy of the review is available on my Department's website at gov.ie - Review of Income Eligibility for Social Housing Support (www.gov.ie)
On foot of the review, the baseline income eligibility thresholds for five local authorities - Carlow, Clare, Galway County, Laois and Westmeath - were increased from €25,000 to €30,000 in October 2022.
A further increase to the baseline thresholds was approved for all local authority areas with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds increased by €5,000 to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively, with an estimated 16,000 additional households potentially eligible for social housing support as a result.
My Department has also commenced work to scope options for a new social housing income eligibility model and I expect proposals for a new model to be submitted for my consideration in Q1 2023.