Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2024
185. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that local councils are continuing to include child maintenance as part of the income and rent calculation for social housing (details supplied). [40720/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review the practice of including child maintenance payments in housing applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40784/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 193 together.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.Under the Policy, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. However, with the exception of the specific payments listed in the Policy as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, and maintenance payments received is assessable. My Department is currently in the process of reviewing assessable and non assessable income under the Household Means Policy in order to ensure it continues to be appropriate.
In relation to rent calculations, local 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 child maintenance, are matters for individual local authorities. I have no role in this regard.
