Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has hit out at what he calls ‘outdated social housing income thresholds that are leaving Laois families in Limbo’.
The Laois TD said has called for change.
He said: “Hundreds of families across Laois/Offaly are caught in limbo due to ridiculous and outdated income thresholds for social housing.
“These couples and families are in a situation where their income is just above the threshold for social housing and too low to get a mortgage.
“As a result they are trapped in private rented accommodation indefinitely with rents escalating on a monthly basis and absolutely no security of tenure.
“The income threshold for social housing for a couple is €504 per week in both Counties and for a family of four it is just €528 per week.
“There is a huge cohort of people who are just above this limit but having an income too low to get a mortgage or home loan.
“I know of constituents who are manual workers and some who are in receipt of Working Family Payment (formerly FIS) who are trapped in this situation and paying a huge portion of their income for private rented accommodation.”
Deputy Stanley told how he contacted Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy and asked what plans he has to review the income thresholds for eligibility to apply for social housing.
He received the following reply: “As part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway.
“The Housing Agency is continuing to carry out the detailed statistical work, which will underpin this review, on behalf of my Department.
“The review will also have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered.”
Deputy Stanley said: “This reply is simply waffle and a delaying tactic by the Minister and his Department designed to stop the housing waiting lists from reflecting the actual number of people that are in need of social and affordable housing.
“Sinn Féin will continue to advocate for realistic income thresholds for social housing and for an end to the foot dragging on social housing construction by the current Government.”
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