Labour representative Rebecca Moynihan has criticised the recent increases to social housing income eligibility, claiming they do not keep pace with inflation since 2011.
Senator Moynihan said: "This government has failed to grasp the stark reality of renting in Ireland. The tiny intervention as announced will continue to lock people out of accessing State support that they so desperately need.
"We note that the Minister intends to roll-out a revised income eligibility model in 2023 – this cannot be more band aid solutions to the chaos people are experiencing when trying to find a place to live. Indeed, this was an area already marked as complete in the Housing for All progress report earlier this year.
-- Advertisement --
"The State should be capable of supporting economically disadvantaged households, however this government continues to drag its heels on progress.
"As the deprivation statistics released by the CSO last week show, the housing crisis is driving more and more people into financial hardship, particularly for those in work. Rents have soared by 84% since the limits were last revised, and the €5,000 increase announced to income eligibility is out of kilter with the extortionate rents charged.
"Today's announcement comes in an economy in the depths of an inflation crisis, yet it does not even attempt to keep pace with inflation since 2011. Many renters are spending up to 70% of their wages purely on keeping a roof over their head – they need a dig out.
"The 2023 eligibility model must be fully fair and actually make a change for people who need it most. Housing is the crisis of our times and we can't accept any more half-baked policy solutions. The tinkering around the edges needs to stop."
