COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 13, 2009

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor R. Dowds

To ask the Manager whether there are any plans to adjust County Council rents downwards because of the imposition of the pension levies and other additional taxes and, if so, could he outline these plans?

REPLY:

The Council reviews its Differential Rent Scheme on an annual basis to ensure that the rent charged is reasonable and does not lead to financial difficulties. The Council achieves this by asking each household to submit up to date information about who is living in their house and how much income each person is receiving.  

The current Differential Rent Scheme review was carried out in March 2009. The rent is based on approximately 10% of total net household income. 

Tax, PRSI and pension levies are deducted from gross income.  In addition, this year any income from carer’s allowance in no longer assessable.  Income from the following sources is disregarded for rent purposes:

(a) Child Benefits, Orphans Allowances, Orphans Pensions payable under the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act of 1981 and any other Social Welfare Allowances payable to children under 18.
(b) Scholarships, Higher Education Grants.
(c) Allowances payable for fostering children.
(d) Allowances for domiciliary care of disabled children.
(e) Any income accruing to a member of a household as a result of the payment of a Carer's Allowance.
(f)  Allowances or assistance received from any charitable organisation.
(g) Living Alone Allowance payable under certain categories of Social Welfare income.
(h) Extra Allowance for people aged 80 or over payable under certain categories of Social Welfare income.
(i) Dietary and mobility allowances paid by the Health Board.
(j) Heating/Fuel Allowance.
(k) Court approved maintenance payments to another person.
(l) The first €120 of any full-time student who has an income 
(m) The first €100 of any person over 65 years
(n) Family Income Supplement

It is vitally important that tenants inform the Rent Office should their financial circumstances change during the year and sumbit relevant documentation  so that their rent can be adjusted accordingly.