Increase in social housing thresholds confirmed by Taoiseach

An increase in the threshold for social housing by €5,000 has been confirmed by Taoiseach Michéal Martin. 

The decision means many more people across the country will qualify for social housing under plans by the Government to increase eligibility thresholds from next January.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the move on Saturday morning. He said limits for most parts of the country had not increased for ten years other than in five counties.

The maximum income to qualify for social housing was increased in Carlow, Clare, Laois, Westmeath and Galway county last month.

Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan welcomed the announcement, saying it is long overdue and must be implemented without delay.

"There has been a clear and obvious need to address the low income limits to receive housing support particularly in light of the cost of living and rental crisis. With a doubling of rents and house prices since they were last revised in 2011 it is beyond time that these limits were increased.The government must ensure that increases in income limits are introduced before Christmas,” Senator Moynihan said

“I have concerns about the determination of this Minister and this government to actually make changes for people. Labour has campaigned for this increase throughout the year. The Minister only ever relents when he is pushed to do so. It’s not a good way to do business when we are in the grips of a housing crisis like never before.

“Indeed, increases to income limits for social housing support have already been marked as ‘complete’ over a year ago under the government’s Housing for All strategy. People need to be able to trust that government are working on the housing crisis. It’s very hard to believe any announcement from the Housing Department, as after most announcements, there is a long lag and delay in implementation, hoping no one will notice.

"Housing is the cornerstone of a person’s life; it provides the security to live a fulfilled life. Qualifying for housing support is not a panacea with the issues of waiting lists and unavailability of HAP qualifying homes, but it has protected many households from falling into homelessness. Government must act now and outline the revised income limits without delay,” Senator Moynihan said.