Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
371. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities are including the cost-of-living increases when calculating rents under the differential rent scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36126/24]
View answerLocal authorities set and collect rents on their dwellings in accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for 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.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved administration of rent schemes and different approaches are taken to rent setting across local authorities. Accordingly, decisions regarding the sources of income included and disregarded for rent assessment purposes, including any cost of living related increases, are matters for individual local authorities.
