Increased delivery of cost rental, social and affordable homes is the only solution to this housing crisis
The chronic shortage of properties available to those dependent on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) highlights the urgent need for the Government to speed up delivery of cost rental, social and affordable homes, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said:
“The latest quarterly ‘Locked Out of the Market’ report from the Simon Communities of Ireland, from December 2022, shows that just 41 HAP properties were available to rent to those reliant on the scheme. Of these, 40 fell within discretionary HAP limits and only one property was available under the standard rate.
“Despite qualifying for HAP, vulnerable individuals and families are being denied a place to live due to a dwindling supply of properties and rising rents. This is against the backdrop of more than 11,500 people now living in emergency homeless accommodation – a figure that is expected to rise when the temporary evictions ban expires in March.
“It is completely unrealistic to expect HAP payments to keep pace with soaring rent increases, with average asking prices in Dublin now above €2,200 a month. But sadly, the reality is that HAP is an essential lifeline for almost 60,000 people on low incomes who depend on the payment to put a roof over their heads.
“The HAP model is just a sticking plaster solution to the housing crisis and does not make long-term economic sense.
“Given the stark figures revealed by the Simon Communities of Ireland, it is essential that the Government takes immediate steps to significantly increase delivery of cost rental, social and affordable homes.”
January 13, 2023