Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2024
67. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase housing assistance payment rent limits in Kerry, in line with Cork and Limerick rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24415/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key principle of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is that eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment above the prescribed maximum rent limit. Since July 2022 this discretion level was increased to 35% and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single persons households. Up to 50% discretion can be provided in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. It is a matter for the local authority to determine, whether, and to what extent, the application of the flexibility is warranted.
At end Q4 2023 the number of households being supported by HAP in Kerry County Council was 1,618 and 66% of these households were benefiting from the additional flexibility. In those cases, the average rate of discretionary payment was almost 25% above the rent limits.
I am very conscious of the pressures in the private rental market and my Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review.
