Galway City Council Unveils Urgent Rent Scheme for 2,700 Households

BREAKING: Galway City Council has just announced a new rent scheme for social housing, the first in six years, which will impact 2,700 tenancies. This urgent update comes as the annual cost of maintaining social housing has skyrocketed from €6 million in 2019 to an alarming €16 million today.

The local authority revealed that the expenses for repairs, refurbishment, and retrofitting homes when re-letting have surged dramatically, climbing from approximately €8,000 to €41,000. Despite these staggering increases, income from social housing rents has remained largely unchanged since 2019.

Under the new scheme, which takes effect for new tenants in October 2023 and for existing tenants in January 2024, weekly rent will be calculated as 20 percent of assessable income. Notably, previous rent discounts will no longer be available, raising significant concerns among current residents. A lower rate will be implemented for pensioners, and a hardship clause will be included to support those in need.

Galway City Council plans to launch an information campaign in the coming weeks to educate residents about the changes. This development is crucial as it addresses the pressing financial challenges of maintaining social housing amidst rising costs.

Residents are advised to stay informed about these changes, as they could significantly affect household budgets in the coming months. As the situation unfolds, local officials emphasize the importance of community awareness and support.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.