Ireland’s largest housing association has expressed concern that housing commitments made in the National Development Plan (2007 – 2013) will still not be met after yesterday’s budget. Although Government spending on housing has increased, Respond! Housing Association contends it is not enough to reach the target of 44,000 social and affordable homes by 2009. The housing association claim this is very disappointing considering rising Local Authority housing lists and the rapidly increasing level of house repossession orders and evictions.
According to Ned Brennan, Chief Operations Officer of Respond! Housing Association:
“The increase announced in yesterday’s budget was long overdue but it will not help the 43,000 families on Local Authority housing lists. We are still far below the level of social housing needed in this country and Minister Lenihan’s budget did not go far enough to help the vulnerable in our society.”
The housing charity also expressed concern at the effect the budget will have on Irish families. Respond! claims that the 1% income levy on earnings will push lower income families back into poverty as the cost of living is set to rise dramatically with the increased VAT rate.
“This budget has done little for the vulnerable in Irish society” added Mr Brennan. “Not only has the cost of goods and services risen considerably, income levels of lower earners is also set to decrease. As a result, many families in Irish society will find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. The net effect of this will be a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking social welfare assistance and Local Authority housing” concluded Mr. Brennan.
Respond! is Ireland's largest not for profit Housing Association. They seek to create a positive future for people by alleviating poverty and creating vibrant, socially integrated communities. Respond! do this through providing access to education, childcare, community development programmes, housing and other supports.
