COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 12, 2026

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Councillor K. Keane

To ask the Chief Executive to provide an estimate of the additional rental income projected to be received in 2027 under the Differential Rent Scheme 2026, compared with the Differential Rent Scheme 2025, and to provide a breakdown of the projected additional income arising from the inclusion of Working Family Payment, the removal of the Old Age Pension occupancy discount for multi-occupancy tenancies, the increase in the principal earner assessment rate from 10% to 12.5%, and the increase in the minimum weekly rent.

REPLY:

Projected rental income for 2027 is being finalised as part of the annual budget process. An estimate of the additional income arising from the Differential Rent Scheme 2026, including the impact of each specified change, is therefore not yet available. The projected figures will be included in the Draft Annual Budget 2027, scheduled for publication on 5 November 2026.

The Working Family Payment is now treated as assessable income, in accordance with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Household Means Policy 2026. The scheme also includes new measures to ensure that rents remain fair, proportionate and reasonable:

• A maximum weekly charge of €40 on the income of subsidiary earners
• Removal of the fixed additional weekly charge of €3
• A weekly rent discount of €10 for people aged 65 or over whose sole income is the State Pension
• A weekly discount of €2 for each dependent child
• Exclusion of income earned by children under 18 from rent calculations

Adjustments to the council’s rental income are necessary to support planned maintenance investment, which will improve tenants’ living conditions and home energy efficiency, supported by a fair and affordable rent system.