Income thresholds for social and affordable homes in Mayo are 'too low'

Local councillors are calling on Mayo County Council to provide more social and affordable housing to help meet increasing demand.

Income levels to qualify for such housing were also criticised at the May meeting of the authority, with Independent Cllr Patsy O’Brien noting that Mayo is in the lower income eligibility (Band 3), which stipulates a net income cut-off point of €30,000 for a single person, whereas other counties have higher thresholds. 

Cllr O'Brien asked that the council write to the Minister for Housing James Browne to increase the income threshold for Mayo, noting that "the price of houses in parts of the county can be equal to prices in Dublin and I think these bands are discriminating, being higher in one county than another". He added that it was wrong that “all income is also taken into account, from children’s allowance to social welfare payments”.

“This is resulting in so many being left in no man’s land. These people can’t afford to rent or to buy a house.” 

Independent Cllr Richard Finn agreed that it was wrong that social welfare is taken into account as income, particularly in regard to social housing, adding: “People coming into the country are coming in with smaller incomes than our own people and of course, when applying for a house, who gets it then? We should be looking after our own.” 

Director of Finance Peter Duggan stated that social housing income thresholds are set by the Department of Housing while Director of Services Catherine McConnell said the council has called for expressions of interest from builders for affordable housing schemes and is currently collating a number of submissions received. She added: “We are also currently looking at a final case for Ballina and have had delivery of schemes in Kiltimagh, Mulranny and Westport, with more planned, so we do see affordable housing as very much part of our future.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.