Social housing income thresholds
Deputy Donnelly raised long-term housing applicants being removed from lists and said income limits had not changed since 2011. Deputy Ó Laoghaire backed the point and highlighted the mismatch between thresholds and rising local costs. The Taoiseach said thresholds should be reviewed and that long-waiting applicants deserved more balance and common sense.
The income eligibility limits for social housing have not been increased since 2011. This matter was brought up recently by Deputy Ó Broin. I received representations in recent days about two families who have been on Fingal County Council's housing list for 11 and 12 years, respectively. Yvonne started on the list with two children. One of her children is now an adult and is in employment. The second has just left school and got an apprenticeship as an electrical engineering student. After 12 years, Yvonne has been told she is off the list. The other case involves two parents with five children. Both parents are working and they are just marginally over the income limit. After 11 years, they are now off the social housing list. Neither of them could afford the rent or a mortgage. It was 2011 when the thresholds were last changed. Will they be changed and will this matter be addressed as quickly as possible for those people?
Comment on this
I agree with the point made by Deputy Paul Donnelly now and by Deputy Ó Broin previously. The cost of living and many other costs have increased significantly since 2011. Many local authorities such as Cork County Council, in whose areas rent and the cost of living are very high, are on the second tier where the maximum income for housing eligibility in a particular set of circumstances is only €30,000, as opposed to €35,000 or €37,000. One could be living in Carrigaline or in Mallow where the cost of living is quite high but one would not qualify for social housing. The Taoiseach will state that we need a spectrum of options. I agree and, I am sure, Deputy Paul Donnelly does too.
Comment on this
This is a specific issue that requires to be addressed but it has not been in almost a decade.
Comment on this
There should be a review of the thresholds. We have long waiting lists as matters stand. In those cases identified by Deputy Paul Donnelly, in the first instance the people involved should appeal. It is difficult for those families and it is unfair, given that they were 11 and 12 years on the list. Due cognisance should be taken of the fact that they are so long on the list and that the children involved only got employment recently. There needs to be a bit of balance and common sense in the application of rules. That said, I accept the point the thresholds could do with being reviewed.