Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue.

On 1 April 2011, the Social Housing Assessment Regulations introduced a new standard procedure for assessing applicants for social housing in every housing authority. The aim of the new system is to move closer to a transparent, consistent and fairer approach to eligibility for social housing. The regulations include maximum net income limits for each housing authority, in different bands according to the area, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard household means policy.

Before the new system was put in place, there was considerable inconsistency in the various local authorities across the country. Some authorities had income limits for social housing, but some had none. The way income was assessed for limits also varied widely, with different disregards and policies in the various housing authorities. This meant that applicants for support who were on similar incomes could be treated very differently depending on where they happened to live. This approach was neither efficient nor fair.

The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band was based on an assessment of income needed to provide for a household's basic need plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. The limits also reflect a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced by this Administration prior to the new system coming into operation. That was done to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn and thereby promote sustainable communities. As a result, the net income threshold for a one adult, two children household in County Clare, for example, is €26,250 net income after tax, PRSI and the universal social charge, USC, with higher limits applying to larger households.

Under the household means policy, which applies in all housing authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI and the universal social charge. Most payments received from the Department of Social Protection are assessable. The policy provides for a range of income disregards, and housing authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off.

Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. I am satisfied that the current income eligibility requirements generally achieve that. However, I recognise that the current limits may discriminate unfairly against certain classes of households and these limits will be considered in the context of the review of social housing assessment procedures currently being undertaken by my Department, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda outlined in the Social Housing Strategy 2020.

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