by Chris Ashmore
MANY “working people” in Donegal who are earning the minimum wage cannot work overtime or claim Working Family Payments without going above the eligibility limits for social housing support, it was highlighted at a meeting of Donegal County Council.
The matter was raised by Cllr Jimmy Brogan who maintained that the issue has created a significant cohort of households who are unable to afford housing in the private market or obtain a mortgage, yet do not qualify for social housing assistance.
Furthermore, he said the gap is placing families under increasing financial pressure and contributing to the risk of homelessness.
Calling for a review and increase in social housing income thresholds, he submitted a motion asking that the Council contact the Minister for Housing “to urgently review and substantially increase the income thresholds.”
Cllr Michéal Cholm MacGiolla Easbuig seconded the motion.
In an official response, Cllr Brogan was informed that the income eligibility thresholds for Social Housing Supports were last increased by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with effect from January 1, 2023, when the baseline limits were raised by €5,000 across various bands.
He was also told that on foot of a similar motion some months ago, the Council did write to the Minister and the response indicated that “the Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced.”
This work is ongoing.
The Council will write to the Minister again in relation to the matter.