402. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update in relation to the standardisation of the differential rent scheme. [52994/26]

Currently, local authorities charge rent under the 1966 Housing Act, this is known as the 'differential rent' system and is a critical piece of the State's welfare apparatus, subsidising housing costs and supporting households who can not meet their long term accommodation needs from their own resources.

The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for the executive of local authorities within broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay and also that they contain a hardship clause, under which tenants can pay a reduced rent for a specified period and under certain circumstances.

The new Housing Plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities, commits to reviewing rents paid by local authority and AHB social housing tenants with a view to introducing a national framework that provides a consistent and equitable system of rents and protects vulnerable households. My Department is progressing, with the assistance of the Housing Agency, detailed analysis of existing rents schemes in order to explore the range of reform options that may be available. It is essential that any potential options place sufficient emphasis on achieving the best blend of equity, progressivity and sustainability, and critically, protect those on lowest incomes and at greater risk of poverty.

I will give careful consideration to the results of my Department's analysis which I expect will be submitted for my consideration later this year. Any proposal to implement a standardised national rents framework or alternative reform will be considered by Government thereafter, as appropriate.