Threshold Reaction to Budget 2014: Housing Measures Welcomed, but More Investment Needed to Tackle Social Housing Waiting Lists
Threshold, the national housing charity, has given a cautious welcome to the housing measures announced today (15.10.13) in Budget 2014.
Social Housing
Reacting to the Budget, Bob Jordan, Chief Executive of Threshold, said: “There are almost 100,000 families around the country on waiting lists for local authority housing. Today’s announcement of an investment of €30 million in social housing – coupled with the €32 million announced by Minister Jan O’Sullivan recently – is good news. It is expected to fund 500 housing units, through a combination of new builds and bringing existing units back into use.
“This marks an important first step in addressing Ireland’s social housing needs, but the Government must do more: social housing currently makes up about nine per cent of total housing provision in Ireland. In order to ensure a sustainable, stable housing market, this should increase to 15 per cent. Over the coming years, the Government must invest more in social housing to ensure 9,000 new units are provided for each year. Only then will Ireland’s social housing need be met in a comprehensive, long-term way.”
Rent Supplement
Threshold also cautioned that Rent Supplement levels must be closely monitored by the Government over the coming years.
“Today’s Budget has seen an increase in the minimum contribution for couples in receipt of Rent Supplement from €35 to €40,” said Bob Jordan. “Threshold is concerned that – in a climate of sharply rising rents, particularly in Dublin – this will put increased pressure on families who are already struggling to pay their rent. We would ask the Government to keep the level of supports available under the Rent Supplement scheme under close review.”
Energy, Retrofitting and Adaptation Grants for Homes
In relation to the new energy programme for homes and the retrofitting and housing adaptation grants announced in the Budget, Threshold said they should be targeted at those most in need.
“Fuel poverty is now recognised as a significant problem in Ireland,” said Bob Jordan. “Those living in accommodation at the lower end of the private rented market spend a disproportionate amount of their small incomes on utilities. This is due to inefficiencies in the buildings they live in, which are often old, poorly insulated and in need of repair.
“It is vital that the energy and retrofitting measures announced today are targeted at the buildings most in need of improvement, so that the families living in them don’t have to continue paying above the odds for basic utilities.
Social Impact Investment Pilot to End Long-Term Homelessness
Threshold also welcomed the social impact investment pilot, announced in today’s Budget. The investment scheme aims to provide long-term, stable homes for homeless families.
“This is a welcome idea, which encourages private investors to fund homes for people coming out of homeless services,” said Senator Aideen Hayden, Chairperson of Threshold. “Threshold would now urge investors to come forward to get involved in this very important initiative aimed at ending long-term homelessness.”
