Increase in HAP income limits must be introduced before Christmas, Moynihan says

Labour housing spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan said the increase in income limits for HAP recipients must be introduced before Christmas.

Moynihan was speaking after Fine Gael councillors voiced their support for the increase during a meeting on Saturday.

Senator Moynihan said this increase is long overdue and must be implemented without delay, noting that this was already marked as ‘complete’ in the Housing for All progress report over a year ago.

“There has been a clear and obvious need to address the low income limits to receive housing support particularly in light of the cost of living and rental crisis.

“With a doubling of rents and house prices since they were last revised in 2011 it is beyond time that these limits were increased.

“The government must ensure that increases in income limits are introduced before Christmas.

“I have concerns about the determination of this Minister and this government to actually make changes for people.

“The Minister only ever relents when he is pushed to do so. It’s not a good way to do business when we are in the grips of a housing crisis like never before.”

Senator Moynihan said the Government must act on their promises.

“Indeed, increases to income limits for social housing support have already been marked as ‘complete’ over a year ago under the government’s Housing for All strategy.

“People need to be able to trust that government are working on the housing crisis,” she said.

“It’s very hard to believe any announcement from the Housing Department, as after most announcements, there is a long lag and delay in implementation, hoping no one will notice.

“Housing is the cornerstone of a person’s life; it provides the security to live a fulfilled life.

“Qualifying for housing support is not a panacea with the issues of waiting lists and unavailability of HAP qualifying homes, but it has protected many households from falling into homelessness.

“Government must act now and outline the revised income limits without delay.”