Change Fair Deal to ease Homelessness
Simple changes to the legislation governing the Fair Deal Nursing Home Support Scheme could release vacant houses across Ireland and provide a solution for homeless families, Denis Naughten has stated.
“We must urgently release up to 9,000 family homes which are locked out of the housing market as a result of Fair Deal, if we are serious about addressing the housing crisis,” said the Roscommon Galway TD and candidate.
“These are family homes close to schools, some with buses and broadband outside the door, which are falling into disrepair because of Fair Deal rules regarding rental income,” he said.
“At a time when we have a shortage of homes right across this country we must address the anomaly which results in a treble penalty being applied under the Fair Deal Nursing Home Support Scheme and make is easier for vacant property to be used to provide a homeless family with a roof,” he added.
Deputy Naughten claimed that the current scheme effectively banned the renting of vacant homes belonging to people in nursing homes – because they are hit with a treble penalty under the means test rules.
He pointed out that, under a Social Welfare means test, an asset’s market value or the net income generated from that asset is considered for the income calculation if a property is not occupied.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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